Objective improvement in dexterity for trainees undergoing a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery simulation program,...

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Surgical Education
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is standard for early-stage lung cancer and thoracic pathologies.
• Teaching VATS techniques to new surgeons is challenging and lacks standardization.
• A VATS simulation training program was developed to assess its impact on resident dexterity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a VATS simulation training program.
• To measure the impact on the dexterity of thoracic surgery residents.
• To compare trained residents with a control group.

Main Methods:

• A 6-month VATS simulation program using dry-lab simulators.
• Assessed first-year residents (n=7) before and after training.
• Compared results to a control group (n=5) of medical students using standardized Simball® Box exercises (peg placement, rope insertion, circle cutting).
• Evaluated instrument travel, operation time, and motion smoothness.

Main Results:

• Residents showed significant improvements in all assessed parameters after the training program.
• The control group's performance remained unchanged over the 6-month period.
• No significant difference in performance was observed between groups before training.

Conclusions:

• VATS simulation training objectively enhances thoracic surgery residents' dexterity.
• Simulation programs can serve as valuable tools for surgical education.
• Standardized simulation training may address current challenges in VATS education.