Pilot study of the use of a voice-controlled robotic scope holder for laparoscopic learning by residents in...

To assess the feasibility and educational value of using a voice-controlled robotic scope holder (Soloassist II®) to promote supervised autonomy among residents performing laparoscopic salpingectomies.

This single-center pilot study was conducted in the gynecologic surgery department of a university hospital. Second-year residents used the Soloassist II® robotic scope holder to perform bilateral salpingectomies for tubal sterilization under the distant supervision of a senior surgeon.

Fifteen procedures were completed without major complications. The mean operative time was 75.7 ± 23.3 min. Only one minor postoperative complication occurred (superficial absorbable thread protruding under the skin). Residents reported moderate workload levels (NASA-TLX mean score: 53.6 ± 16.1), particularly in mental demands, effort, and frustration. Technical skills were evaluated using OSATS (mean: 23.4 ± 4.9/35) and OSA-LS (mean: 16.9 ± 3.2/25). In 93.3 % of cases, autonomy was assessed at the highest level on the Zwisch scale (level 4: supervision only). Residents expressed high satisfaction and perceived an increase in autonomy; none regretted participating in the study.

Integrating a voice-controlled robotic scope holder into laparoscopic training appears feasible and safe. It offers an innovative teaching modality that fosters resident autonomy while maintaining acceptable stress levels and procedural safety. These promising findings support the design of larger prospective trials to evaluate broader implementation in surgical education.