Journal List > Korean J Urol > v.50(10) > 1005429

Kim, Ha, Cho, You, and Sung: Assessment of the Laparoscopic Training Validity of a Virtual Reality Simulator (LAP MentorTM)

Abstract

Purpose

The need for efficient and optimal training through a structured laparoscopic training program has become increasingly evident. Virtual reality simulation may provide a safe and efficient means of acquiring laparoscopic skills. The LAP MentorTM is a high-fidelity virtual reality simulator with haptic feedback that allows a trainee to practice 9 basic laparoscopic tasks including laparoscopic suturing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive validity of performance on the LAP Mentor before surgical simulators are incorporated into training programs.

Materials and Methods

Eleven participants (6 medical students and 5 residents) underwent laparoscopic skills training on the virtual reality simulator LAP Mentor. Each participant was tested on 5 sets of 4 LAP Mentor basic laparoscopic tasks (grasping, cutting, clipping, and suturing) in a 3-week period. Total time and accuracy were measured for each task.

Results

There was a significant difference between the initial session and the final session for total time and accuracy in both groups. Among the medical students, as they progressed through the training step by step, total time decreased for the grasping task, the cutting task, the clipping task, and the suturing task. At the same time, accuracy improved for the grasping task, the cutting task, the clipping task, and the suturing task, respectively. The residents group showed a similar progression.

Conclusions

Basic skills straining on a LAP Mentor virtual reality simulator improves learning of the basic skills for laparoscopy. Education with virtual reality simulators, therefore, may provide an effective teaching method and lead to improved operating performance.

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Fig. 1.
Exterior view of virtual reality simulator (LAP MentorTM).
kju-50-989f1.tif
Fig. 2.
(A, B) Overall progress in grasping time (A) and accuracy (B) of two groups. (C, D) Overall progress in cutting time (C) and accuracy (D) of two groups.
kju-50-989f2.tif
Fig. 3.
(A, B) Overall progress in clipping time (A) and accuracy (B) of two groups. (C, D) Overall progress in suture time (C) and accuracy (D) of two groups.
kju-50-989f3.tif
Table 1.
Progress of grasping, cutting, clipping and suture in total time and accuracy by students and residents
Student Group
Resident Group
Total Time Accuracy Total Time Accuracy
Inital Final Inital Final Inital Final Inital Final
Grasping 4min20sec±27sec 1min50sec±19sec 54%±6.1 93%±2.5 3min30sec±35sec 1min20sec±15sec 71%±6.6 98%±2.8
Cutting 5min10sec±17sec 2min20sec±19sec 46%±5.0 95%±2.6 3min40sec±35sec 1min40sec±16sec 69%±5.9 98%±1.7
Clipping 4min50sec±15sec 2min10sec±18sec 53%±2.9 92%±2.9 3min50sec±24sec 2min10sec±21sec 65%±4.6 97%±1.9
Suture 10min20sec±57sec 3min40sec±18sec 31%±5.9 88%±5.1 7min20sec±27sec 2min40sec±21sec 51%±2.9 94%±2.2
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