Dataset Information

Effect of virtual reality training on laparoscopic surgery: randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To assess the effect of virtual reality training on an actual laparoscopic operation.

Design

Prospective randomised controlled and blinded trial.

Setting

Seven gynaecological departments in the Zeeland region of Denmark.

Participants

24 first and second year registrars specialising in gynaecology and obstetrics.

Interventions

Proficiency based virtual reality simulator training in laparoscopic salpingectomy and standard clinical education (controls).

Main outcome measure

The main outcome measure was technical performance assessed by two independent observers blinded to trainee and training status using a previously validated general and task specific rating scale. The secondary outcome measure was operation time in minutes.

Results

The simulator trained group (n=11) reached a median total score of 33 points (interquartile range 32-36 points), equivalent to the experience gained after 20-50 laparoscopic procedures, whereas the control group (n=10) reached a median total score of 23 (22-27) points, equivalent to the experience gained from fewer than five procedures (P<0.001). The median total operation time in the simulator trained group was 12 minutes (interquartile range 10-14 minutes) and in the control group was 24 (20-29) minutes (P<0.001). The observers' inter-rater agreement was 0.79.

Conclusion

Skills in laparoscopic surgery can be increased in a clinically relevant manner using proficiency based virtual reality simulator training. The performance level of novices was increased to that of intermediately experienced laparoscopists and operation time was halved. Simulator training should be considered before trainees carry out laparoscopic procedures.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00311792.

SUBMITTER: Larsen CR

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3273782 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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