Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 3, 2026
08:21
Utilizing a 3D Printed Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication Model to Shorten a Resident's Learning Curve
Published on: August 15, 2025
525
Simulator training and residents' first laparoscopic hysterectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Ewa Jokinen1, Tomi S Mikkola2, Päivi Härkki2
1Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 2, P.O. Box 140, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland. ewa.jokinen@hus.fi.
Surgical Endoscopy
|November 27, 2019
Summary
Virtual reality simulator training for laparoscopic hysterectomy improved resident surgical skills. Residents who trained on the VR simulator demonstrated better performance in their first live laparoscopic hysterectomy compared to the control group.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Simulation
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Hysterectomy rates are declining globally, necessitating innovative surgical training methods.
- Virtual reality (VR) simulators offer new avenues for surgical education in obstetrics and gynecology.
- Evaluating VR simulator training's impact on resident surgical outcomes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of VR simulator training in laparoscopic hysterectomy.
- To evaluate the impact of VR training on surgical outcomes for residents' first laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study involving 20 obstetrics and gynecology residents.
- Intervention group: 10 VR simulator training sessions for laparoscopic hysterectomy module.
- Control group: Standard training. Surgical performance assessed using OSATS and VAS, with video recordings.
Main Results:
- VR training group showed significantly higher Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) Global Rating Scale scores (17.0 vs 11.2, p=0.002).
- VR training group also achieved higher procedure-specific OSATS scores (20.0 vs 16.0, p=0.012) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores (55.0 vs 29.9, p=0.001).
- No significant differences observed in operative time, blood loss, or complications between groups.
Conclusions:
- VR simulator training prior to the first laparoscopic hysterectomy appears to enhance resident performance.
- VR simulation may be a valuable addition to the laparoscopic hysterectomy training curriculum.
- Further integration of VR simulators can improve surgical education and patient outcomes.
