Outcomes of a virtual‐reality simulator‐training programme on basic surgical skills in robot‐assisted laparoscopic surgery

摘要

Abstract Background The utility of the virtual‐reality robotic simulator in training programmes has not been clearly evaluated. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of a virtual‐reality robotic simulator‐training programme on basic surgical skills. Methods A simulator‐training programme in robotic surgery, using the da Vinci Skills Simulator, was evaluated in a population including junior and seasoned surgeons, and non‐physicians. Their performances on robotic dots and suturing‐skin pod platforms before and after virtual‐simulation training were rated anonymously by surgeons experienced in robotics. Results 39 participants were enrolled: 14 medical students and residents in surgery, 14 seasoned surgeons, 11 non‐physicians. Junior and seasoned surgeons’ performances on platforms were not significantly improved after virtual‐reality robotic simulation in any of the skill domains, in contrast to non‐physicians. Conclusions The benefits of virtual‐reality simulator training on several tasks to basic skills in robotic surgery were not obvious among surgeons in our initial and early experience with the simulator. Copyright ? 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.