Does training in a virtual reality simulator improve surgical performance?

Full 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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Author information

Author/s: Ahlberg, G (G); Heikkinen, T (T); Iselius, L (L); Leijonmarck, C-E (CE); Rutqvist, J (J); Arvidsson, D (D);

Affiliation: Department of Surgery, Karolinska Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Clinical Trial; Comparative Study; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal: Surgical endoscopy (Surg Endosc), published in Germany. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Jan; vol 16 (issue 1) : pp 126-9

Dates: Created 2002/04/18; Completed 2002/05/13; Revised 2008/11/21;

PMID: 11961622, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Clinical Competence
Computer Simulation
Computer-Assisted Instruction - methods
Educational Technology - methods

Educational Technology - methods
General Surgery - education
Humans
Students, Medical

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