Multi-perspective analysis of daVinci surgical virtual reality training: a prospective randomized controlled study.

Area of Science:

• Robotic Surgery
• Medical Simulation
• Surgical Skill Acquisition

Background:

• Robotic surgery requires specialized skills.
• Virtual reality (VR) simulators offer a promising training tool.
• Evaluating VR training's impact on basic robotic surgical skills is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of VR training on the daVinci Surgical System (dVSS) simulator.
• To analyze the impact of VR training on technical and non-technical surgical skills.
• To explore multi-perspective evaluations including subjective and objective measures.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial with 27 subjects divided into VR-training (n=12) and control (n=15) groups.
• VR group trained on dVSS simulator (XI) to proficiency; control group received no training.
• All subjects performed tasks on dVSS simulator (SI) while wearing electroencephalography (EEG) equipment; data collected included GEARS, dVSS scores, NASA TLX, and EEG.

Main Results:

• The VR-training group demonstrated significantly higher Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) scores (24.91 ± 3.36 vs. 19.68 ± 3.07, p < 0.01) and dVSS scores compared to the control group.
• The VR-training group reported significantly lower National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA TLX) scores (40.04 ± 10.55 vs. 48.2 ± 9.88, p < 0.01).
• EEG analysis revealed higher Beta and Low-gamma band activation in the VR-training group, indicating greater neural engagement.

Conclusions:

• Training on the dVSS simulator using VR significantly improves basic robotic surgical skills.
• VR training leads to enhanced skill acquisition with reduced cognitive workload.
• Multi-perspective analysis confirms VR's efficacy in developing both technical and non-technical skills for robotic surgery.