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Robotic Instructional Platform for Surgery on the Abdominal Wall: A Validation Study for a Novel Simulation Model
K Stransky1, H Meyer, C Tallant
1From the Department of Surgery (K.S., W.B.S., B.R.F.), Walter Reed National Military Center, Bethesda, MD; Department of Surgery (C.T.), Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA; and Department of Radiology (K.S., H.M., C.T., W.B.S., B.R.F.), Uniformed Services, University Center for Health Professions Education, Bethesda, MD.
A new robotic ventral hernia repair (rVHR) simulation model, RIP SAW, is effective for training. It demonstrated fidelity and validity, showing significant performance differences based on experience, making it a valuable non-virtual reality tool.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical Simulation
- Robotic Surgery Training
Background:
- Ventral hernia repair is a common general surgery procedure with ~400,000 US cases annually.
- Robotic ventral hernia repair (rVHR) is increasing, necessitating effective simulation for skills acquisition.
- A realistic, non-virtual reality training platform for rVHR is currently unavailable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess a novel robotic ventral hernia repair (rVHR) simulation model.
- To compare baseline rVHR experience with simulated task performance.
- To evaluate the fidelity and validity of the RIP SAW platform.
Main Methods:
- The Robotic Instructional Platform for Surgery on the Abdominal Wall (RIP SAW) was developed iteratively for the da Vinci Surgical System.
- General surgeons, residents, and medical students participated in simulated rVHR assessment trials.
- Performance metrics (time, composite score) were compared between participant subgroups.
Main Results:
- Staff surgeons found the RIP SAW model acceptable for rVHR simulation training.
- Significant differences in composite scores (P < 0.001) and operative times (P < 0.001) were observed between groups.
- A significant correlation was found between prior rVHR experience and simulated task performance (P = 0.018).
Conclusions:
- The RIP SAW model is a novel, cost-effective tool for rVHR simulation training.
- Pilot testing confirmed the model's fidelity and validity.
- RIP SAW offers a unique non-virtual reality option for robotic surgery skills development.
