EndoTrainer: a novel hybrid training platform for endoscopic surgery

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Background:

• Endoscopic procedures demand rigorous training, traditionally relying on physical platforms.
• Virtual reality platforms offer new training avenues, but often lack physical realism.
• A hybrid approach aims to combine the strengths of both physical and virtual training methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate EndoTrainer, a novel hybrid physic-virtual endoscopic training platform.
• To assess the platform's effectiveness in improving objective performance metrics in endoscopic procedures.
• To validate the platform's capacity for providing standardized, measurable feedback on surgical skills.

Main Methods:

• Developed EndoTrainer for hysteroscopy and cystoscopy training, focusing initially on Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgical Education and Assessment (GESEA) exercises.
• Conducted an extensive study with 80 gynecologists performing 30 trials of a standard 30-degree endoscope navigation exercise.
• Utilized the platform's integrated measurement capabilities to track performance parameters.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all measured parameters for all subjects.
• Observed enhancements in trajectory length and safety, 30-degree endoscope navigation, target positioning accuracy, and reduced execution time.
• Validated the platform's ability to provide objective performance assessment.

Conclusions:

• The hybrid EndoTrainer platform effectively enhances basic endoscopic camera navigation and handling skills.
• Objective improvements in surgical performance were achieved through this novel training approach.
• The study supports the hypothesis that hybrid simulation training leads to measurable skill enhancement in endoscopy.