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[Existing laparoscopic simulators and their benefit for the surgeon]
Summary
Laparoscopic simulators effectively train surgical skills, with virtual reality simulators proving most self-sufficient for teaching and assessment. Further research is needed to determine the most effective simulation type and objective evaluation parameters for surgery.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Medical Simulation
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Laparoscopic surgery is common but requires specialized preparation.
- Simulation techniques are increasingly utilized for surgical skills training.
- This review summarizes literature on laparoscopic simulators and their training efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review available literature on laparoscopic simulators.
- To assess the contribution of simulators to surgeon training.
- To identify the most effective type of simulation for laparoscopic surgery.
Main Methods:
- Searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases.
- Keywords included: laparoscopy, simulator, surgery, assessment.
- Limited to prospective studies published in English within the last 5 years.
Main Results:
- 26 studies were included; 9 compared simulators, with mixed results on high vs. low fidelity effectiveness.
- 12 of 13 studies found simulators effective for surgical practice (EBM 1b3b).
- Virtual reality (VR) simulators were found useful for assessment, though objective evaluation parameters require further study.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic simulators are effective tools for practicing surgical techniques (EBM 1b).
- The most effective simulator type remains undetermined, but VR simulators are self-sufficient for teaching and evaluation.
- Further research is necessary for objective skill evaluation systems in laparoscopic surgery.
