Evaluation of the learning effect for ArtiSential^® articulating laparoscopic instrument: back to the manual...

Robotic systems offer the great advantage of articulation; however, high cost is a limitation. ArtiSential^® is a laparoscopic forceps that combines the advantages of low cost and articulation. This study was conducted to determine the learning effect of ArtiSential^®.

Participants were divided into two groups: those who had performed >100 laparoscopic surgeries (experts) and those who had not (novices). The participants were assigned the task of peg transfer three times a day, for a total of 15 times over five days. The time spent on the task and the number of pegs that dropped during the transfer were recorded.

Thirty surgeons (15 experts and 15 novices) participated in the study. Both the average time and the number of pegs dropped decreased progressively with practice. The learning effect for task completion time reached a plateau after 11 tasks (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between experts and novices in either the time or the number of pegs dropped.

ArtiSential^® can be learned in a relatively short period of time and prior laparoscopic experience does not significantly affect the learning curve. Articulating forceps are inexpensive, easy to learn, and provide a valuable alternative to achieve greater freedom in surgery.