Proficiency-based Versus Free Laparoscopic Training in Cholecystectomy Using the Simbionix LAP Mentor™. A Randomized Controlled Trial
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Cholelithiasis
- Sponsor
- University of Zurich
- Enrollment
- 64
- Locations
- 2
- Primary Endpoint
- Time to extract the gall bladder.
- Last Updated
- 12 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
Virtual reality devices are widely accepted tools to familiarize surgical novices with the principles of laparoscopy. Free Virtual reality training will be tested against basic training and efficacy assessed in a randomized controlled trial of surgical novices.
Detailed Description
Virtual reality simulators are widely accepted tools to familiarize surgical novices with the principles of laparoscopy without jeopardizing patient safety. However, access to a Virtual reality simulator and initial instruction alone followed by free training of the surgical novice may not be sufficient to achieve the training goals efficiently. The aims of this study are to determine if proficiency based laparoscopic training on the Simbionx LAP Mentor™ with external formative assessment using peer group derived benchmarks is superior to free training with self-assessment using the simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure with different endpoints (time to extract the gallbladder, serious complications, safe cautery and instrument pathways) as outcome parameters.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Surgical novices (trainees / residents)
- •Performed less than five laparoscopic procedures
- •No previous simulator experience
Exclusion Criteria
- •Specialist surgeons
- •Performed more than five laparoscopic procedures
- •Previous experience with a simulator
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Time to extract the gall bladder.
Time Frame: 10 minutes in average
The time to extract the gall bladder on a virtual simulator is typically 10 minutes. However this varies according to the settings of the difficulty chosen on the virtual reality software. This is a continuous variable measuring the duration for a trainee surgeon to extract the gall bladder (measured in seconds). The start point is the beginning of the exercise and the finishing point is once the gall bladder is completely resected (gall bladder mobilized and the cystic duct and artery dissected and ligated).
Secondary Outcomes
- Total path length of right instrument(10 minutes in average)
- Safe cautery(10 minutes in average)
- Serious intra-operative complications(10 minutes in average)