Virtual reality robotic surgery simulation curriculum to teach robotic suturing: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Robotic surgery requires specialized skills, including suturing.
• Objective assessment of robotic suturing proficiency is crucial for training.
• Virtual reality simulators offer a safe environment for skill acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a virtual reality robotic suturing curriculum on surgical performance.
• To determine if proficiency-based training improves robotic suturing skills.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted over 5 weeks.
• Participants were randomized to a virtual reality training group or a control group.
• Robotic suturing performance was assessed pre- and post-training using an inanimate vaginal cuff model and graded by expert surgeons.

Main Results:

• The training group showed significantly greater improvement in overall robotic suturing performance (GOALS+ score) and specific metrics (GEARS, knots, suture sponge task).
• Even after adjusting for baseline differences, the virtual reality training group demonstrated superior improvement in the suture sponge task.
• Trends indicated greater improvement in the training group for other key performance indicators.

Conclusions:

• A proctored, proficiency-based virtual reality robotic suturing curriculum effectively enhances surgical performance.
• Virtual reality simulation is a valuable tool for training and improving robotic suturing skills.
• This training modality shows promise for improving patient safety and outcomes in robotic surgery.