A Training Simulator for Fractional Dilation and Curettage With Visualized Force-Position Feedback and Quantitative
Yijia Zheng1, Kaile Wang, Kai Zhang
1Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies and the College of Engineering, Peking University, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|July 14, 2021
Summary
A new fractional D&C training simulator visualizes intrauterine procedures and assesses skills. Novices performed significantly worse than experts, highlighting the simulator's value for surgical training.
Area of Science:
- Medical Simulation
- Surgical Training
- Gynecological Procedures
Background:
- Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a fundamental obstetric and gynecologic procedure.
- Fractional D&C ensures thorough sampling of the endocervix and uterus.
- This study introduces a novel fractional D&C simulator for real-time visualization and skill assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and validate a fractional D&C training simulator.
- To provide real-time visualization of intrauterine operations.
- To quantitatively assess surgical technical skills during fractional D&C.
Main Methods:
- Developed a fractional D&C training simulator with hardware and software components.
- The simulator visualizes curette tip trajectory and force in real-time.
- Introduced assessment indices: cervical and uterine coverage and overlap.
Main Results:
- Seventy-five participants (novices, intermediates, experts) used the simulator.
- Novices demonstrated significantly lower performance across all indices compared to experienced surgeons (P<.05).
- The simulator identified incomplete curettage, even in experienced surgeons, and was highly rated as a teaching tool.
Conclusions:
- The fractional D&C simulator offers valuable real-time force-position feedback.
- Quantitative evaluation and visualized feedback can enhance surgical training.
- This simulator may prove beneficial for improving fractional D&C proficiency.
