Novices' learning curve in single-port surgery using three surgical training programs
Damaris Areli García-Cabra1,2, Salvador Montoya-Alvarez3, Ricardo Manuel Ordorica-Flores4
1Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología (ICAT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México, México.
Background:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the novices' learning curves and proficiency level reached in laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery using three surgical training programs.
Material And Methods:
Participants were randomly divided into three groups, who trained in a specific practice regimen for 12 days using a laparoscopic box simulator and three tasks. Group A trained in three stages using conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) with straight instruments, and LESS with straight and articulating instruments for four days each. Group B trained in two stages in LESS with straight and articulating instruments for six days each. Group C trained only in LESS with articulating instruments exclusively for all 12 days. Performance was registered daily during the 12 days to evaluate the participants' progress.
Results:
Pre- and post-training analysis of the three groups showed significant differences in performance, denoting the significant improvement in their LESS skills, with no difference between the groups. Group C reached a high level of technical competence with their specific training program in LESS, obtaining a lower asymptote and slow learning rate.
Conclusion:
Specific training programs in LESS settings using articulated instruments showed a slower learning rate than the other programs but better proficiency in the technique with the best surgical performance.
