Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Development of a Virtual Reality Assessment of Everyday Living Skills
Published on: April 23, 2014
Surgeons see anatomical structures faster and more accurately compared to novices: Development of a pattern
Tomoko Mizota1, Nicholas E Anton1, Dimitrios Stefanidis1
1Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 545 Barnhill Drive, Emerson Hall 125, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States.
Background:
This study aimed to identify differences in pattern recognition skill among individuals with varying surgical experience.
Methods:
Participants reviewed laparoscopic cholecystectomy videos of various difficulty, and paused them when the cystic duct or artery was identified to outline each structure on the monitor. Time taken to identify each structure, accuracy and work load, which was assessed using the NASA-Task Load Index (TLX), were compared among the three groups.
Results:
Ten students, ten residents and eight attendings participated in the study. Attendings identified the cystic duct and artery significantly faster and more accurately than students, and identified the cystic artery faster than residents. The NASA-TLX score of attendings was significantly lower than that of students and residents.
Conclusions:
Attendings identified anatomical structures faster, more accurately, and with less effort than students or residents. This platform may be valuable for the assessment and teaching of pattern recognition skill to novice surgeons.
Short Summary:
Accurate anatomical recognition is paramount to proceeding safely in surgery. The assessment platform used in this study differentiated recognition skill among individuals with varing surgical experience.
Related Concept Videos
Fruit Development, Structure, and Function
Seed Structure and Early Development of the Sporophyte
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Anatomical Positions
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
Anatomical Terminology
Anatomical Movements
Here are some common anatomical movements:
Flexion and extension motions are in the sagittal (anterior–posterior) plane of motion. These movements take place at the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, wrist,...

