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Virtual reality training compared with apprenticeship training in laparoscopic surgery: a meta-analysis.
M Portelli1, S F Bianco1, T Bezzina2
1Department of Surgery, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|August 22, 2020
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) training significantly enhances surgical skills for laparoscopic procedures, improving both efficiency and quality. This meta-analysis suggests VR can supplement or replace traditional apprenticeship methods in surgical education.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Medical Education Technology
Background:
- Laparoscopic surgery demands advanced skills beyond traditional open surgery.
- Technological advancements necessitate new training paradigms outside the operating room.
- Patient safety and reduced training time highlight the need for efficient skill acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare virtual reality (VR) training with traditional apprenticeship for laparoscopic surgery.
- To determine if VR training can supplement or replace apprenticeship models.
- To conduct a meta-analysis on the benefits of integrating VR into surgical training programs.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar.
- Inclusion of 24 randomized controlled trials published up to January 2018.
- Data extraction focused on dexterity, operative performance, and operating times.
Main Results:
- Meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in individual trainee skills (p < 0.0002).
- Key metrics analyzed included time, path length, instrument handling, tissue handling, error scores, and technical skill assessments.
- All analyzed outcomes demonstrated statistically significant benefits from VR training.
Conclusions:
- Virtual reality training demonstrably enhances surgical trainees' efficiency and skill quality.
- VR leads to reduced error rates and improved tissue handling in laparoscopic procedures.
- The findings support the regular integration of VR training into surgical education programs.
