Learning Intracorporeal Suture on Pelvitrainer Using a Robotized Versus Conventional Needle Holder

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Education
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Laparoscopy is a standard surgical technique.
• Robotized instruments aim to overcome ergonomic limitations of traditional laparoscopic tools.
• Novice surgeons face challenges with intracorporeal suturing in laparoscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the learning curves of novices using robotized versus conventional needle holders for intracorporeal suturing.
• To evaluate post-training performance in ergonomically difficult conditions.

Main Methods:

• Fifth-year medical students were randomized into two groups.
• Group A used a robotized needle holder; Group B used conventional needle holders.
• Participants completed four training sessions and one evaluation session involving knot-tying and suturing tasks.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in baseline performance between groups.
• Both groups demonstrated a learning curve plateauing by the third session.
• Equivalent performance in intracorporeal knot-tying; robotized holders superior in frontal suture tasks.

Conclusions:

• Robotized and conventional needle holders yield comparable learning curves and performance.
• Robotized instruments provide a significant advantage in ergonomically difficult laparoscopic procedures.