Skills assessment for laparoscopic surgery based on computer analysis metrics: ScopePro Trainer

The aim of this study is to present the construct validity of the ScopePro Trainer system and determine its effectiveness as a training and objective assessment tool for surgeons' psychomotor laparoscopic skills.

Four surgeons, eight PG2 to PG4 residents, and twenty medical students participated in this study. All participants performed three FLS-based tasks using conventional laparoscopic instruments and the ScopePro Trainer system. Using the linearity principle of the spiral, a passive marker was added to each instrument, shaped like a spiral. Six metrics related to time, linear motion, and angular motion were used to assess the laparoscopic performance of the participants in all tasks. Statistical analysis was performed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, followed by a Student's t test with Tukey's correction for multiple testing.

The performance of ScopePro Trainer is illustrated by the graphical representation of the instruments' paths and the calculations of metrics derived from their position and rotation. Outcomes presented significant differences in the participant's skills during the execution of three surgical training tasks.

The ScopePro Trainer system has been presented and successfully validated. Outcomes showed that ScopePro was able to differentiate between participants with varying levels of laparoscopic expertise. The ScopePro Trainer offers an alternative to traditional tracking systems for analyzing the rotational motion of surgical instruments.