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Does training in a virtual reality simulator improve surgical performance?

G Ahlberg·T Heikkinen·L Iselius·C-E Leijonmarck·J Rutqvist·D Arvidsson
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The development of computerized surgical simulators in a virtual reality environment demands models for proper validation. Recent investigations have shown that a virtual reality simulator (MIST-VR) is a reliable tool for the assessment of laparoscopic psychomotor skills and that it improves the automation of the so-called fulcrum effect. Therefore, we set out to determine whether training with the MIST-VR would improve the surgical performance of surgically inexperienced medical students and to see if results obtained in the simulator would correlate with surgical performance. METHODS: A total of 29 medical students were randomized into two groups. One group received preoperative MIST-VR training. Both groups then performed a simulated laparoscopic appendectomy in a pig. The operations were videotaped and examined by three independent observers. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in performance between the two groups. The performance with the MIST-VR correlated with the results in surgery. CONCLUSION: A method that can measure surgical skill, based on the scoring of independent observers who view videotaped performances, seems to be reliable. MIST-VR did not improve the surgical skills of the subjects, but the results with MIST-VR did predict surgical outcome.

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Clinical CompetenceComputer SimulationComputer-Assisted InstructionEducational TechnologyGeneral SurgeryHumansStudents, MedicalClinical TrialComparative StudyJournal ArticleRandomized Controlled Trial

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G Ahlberg, T Heikkinen, L Iselius, C-E Leijonmarck, J Rutqvist, D Arvidsson. 2001-11-12. Does training in a virtual reality simulator improve surgical performance?. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-001-9025-6

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