Impact of Simulation Training Combined With Video Debriefing on Surgical Skill Acquisition and Perioperative Outcomes...

To investigate the effect of a comprehensive training model combining simulation training and video debriefing on improving the surgical skills of surgeons performing laparoscopic adrenalectomy and to evaluate its influence on perioperative outcomes in clinical practice.

This retrospective study included nine surgeons who completed training between January 2021 and December 2024 and 182 laparoscopic adrenalectomies performed by them. All surgeons underwent both a traditional and a comprehensive training phase, combining simulation training with video debriefing. Accordingly, a total of 79 cases were completed during the traditional training phase, and 103 cases were completed during the comprehensive training phase. The theoretical knowledge scores of the surgeons, Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) scores, surgical confidence scores, and corresponding perioperative indicators (operation time, intraoperative blood loss, conversion to open surgery, and postoperative recovery indicators) were compared between the two phases.

Compared with the traditional training phase, the comprehensive training phase significantly improved the theoretical knowledge scores of the surgeons [43.00 (42.00, 43.00) vs. 41.00 (38.00, 43.00), p = 0.028] and significantly enhanced all dimensions and the total OSATS scores (all p < 0.05). The confidence of the surgeons in "independently performing surgery", "understanding the operation steps" and "intraoperative decision-making" was also significantly increased (all p < 0.05). Regarding clinical outcomes, patients treated during the comprehensive training phase had significantly shorter operation times [82.00 min vs. 107.00 min, p < 0.001], reduced blood loss [64.00 mL vs. 104.00 mL, p < 0.001], and significantly shorter times to first postoperative oral intake [13.00 h vs. 31.00 h, p < 0.001], ambulation [13.00 h vs. 16.00 h, p = 0.002], and postoperative hospital stay [4.00 days vs. 5.00 days, p < 0.001]. No statistically significant difference in the conversion rate to open surgery was observed between the two groups (p = 0.816).

The integrated training model combining simulation training and video debriefing effectively improves the theoretical knowledge of surgeons, technical skills, and surgical confidence in laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Notably, these educational improvements were associated with measurable enhancements in real-world surgical performance and improved perioperative patient outcomes. This model represents an efficient surgical training strategy with significant clinical translational value.