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Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Practical Methodology of Cognitive Tasks Within a Navigational Assessment
Published on: June 1, 2015
Structured assessment of laparoscopic camera navigation skills: the SALAS score
T Huber1, M Paschold1, F Schneble1
1Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
Background:
Tools are needed to assess laparoscopic camera navigation (LCN) in the operating room. Here, we aimed to develop an objective rating scale for LCN.
Study Design:
We defined the following key aspects of LCN: operational field centering, correct angle of the horizon, correct instrument visualization, verbal commands from the operating surgeon, and manual corrections from the operating surgeon. We then developed a score based on intraoperative error evaluation from intraoperative recordings of 80 procedures. Finally, the newly developed score was validated by four different raters using video-based analysis of 20 elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies.
Results:
We developed and validated a tool for the structured assessment of laparoscopic assistant skills (SALAS). This score showed good internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha of > 0.7. Intraclass correlation revealed a low interrater variability (ICC 0.866) for the total score. Comparison of experienced and inexperienced camera assistants revealed significantly better SALAS scores for experienced assistants (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Our present results show that SALAS score is valid, reliable, and practicable. This score can be used for future investigations of camera navigation efficiency and training.
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