LAPARO Analytic vs. Classic Box Trainer: A Randomized Trial on Appendicectomy Laparoscopic Skills Training

Minimally invasive techniques have become the standard of care in elective abdominal surgery, leading to a significant increase in laparoscopic procedures. This shift presents a major training challenge, as the acquisition of core laparoscopic skills - such as hand-eye coordination via video and depth perception - requires a steep and lengthy learning curve that may be unsafe and inefficient if conducted exclusively in the operating room.

To address these limitations, simulation-based training has emerged as an effective alternative. Classic Box Trainers are widely used in surgical education, allowing for repeated, structured practice in a safe, non-clinical environment. However, recent advancements have introduced modern systems like the LAPARO Analytic, which provides real-time instrument tracking, objective scoring, and performance analytics.

Despite their growing use, there is a lack of direct comparative evidence on the training efficacy of these two modalities, particularly for initial surgical procedures such as laparoscopic appendicectomy. This randomized prospective trial aims to fill this gap by evaluating the relative effectiveness of the LAPARO Analytic versus Classic Box Trainers in the acquisition and retention of essential laparoscopic skills.

A total of 60 first-year medical residents (interns) at Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (CHUSJ) will be recruited via convenience sampling and voluntary sign-up. Participants will be randomly assigned using an online tool (Research Randomizer) into two groups:

Control Group (n = 30): Will receive a 3-hour in-person training session using Classic Box Trainers, supervised by an experienced General Surgery tutor.