High-Fidelity Simulated Teaching Cases Improve Resident Confidence Performing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Procedures

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Laparoscopic Surgery

Background:

• Surgical residents require effective training methods to build operative confidence and coaching skills.
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a foundational procedure for general surgery training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a high-fidelity simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomy teaching case on junior residents' operative confidence and senior residents' coaching comfort.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study involving general surgery residents (postgraduate levels 1-5).
• Junior and senior residents were paired for a simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomy on a high-fidelity simulator.
• Pre- and post-simulation surveys assessed operative experience, comfort, knowledge, and coaching confidence.

Main Results:

• Junior residents reported significant improvements in confidence with critical view acquisition, trocar placement, and instrument detection (P < .05).
• Senior residents experienced non-statistically significant improvements in coaching confidence (P > .05).
• Both junior and senior residents recommended simulation exercises before their first teaching cholecystectomy.

Conclusions:

• High-fidelity simulation enhances junior surgical residents' technical comfort and confidence in performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• Coached simulation in early surgical training can better prepare residents for operating room autonomy.
• Simulation provides a valuable platform for developing both operative skills and mentorship capabilities.