General surgery training and robotics: Are residents improving their skills?

摘要: While robotic-assisted operations have become more prevalent, many general surgery residencies do not a formal robotic training curriculum. We sought to ascertain how well current permits acquisition of skills by comparing simulation performance across various levels. Thirty-six participants were categorized level surgical training: eight medical students (MS), ten junior residents (JR), mid-level (MLR), and senior (SR). Participants performed three tasks on the da Vinci ® Skills Simulator (MatchBoard, EnergyDissection, SutureSponge). Each task’s scores (0–100) cumulative (0–300) compared between groups. There no differences in sex, hand dominance, video gaming history, or prior experience groups; however, SR was oldest (p < 0.001). The median overall did differ: 188 (84–201) for MS, 183 (91–234) JR, 197 (153–218) MLR, 205 (169–229) (p = 0.14). SutureSponge score highest (61, range 39–81) MS (43, 26–61), JR 11–72), MLR (55, 36–68) (p = 0.039). However, there significant MatchBoard (p = 0.27) EnergyDissection (p = 0.99) positive correlation number laparoscopic cases logged (p = 0.005, r 2 = 0.21), but this exist tasks. Lastly, total lifetime hours (p = 0.89, R 2 = 0.0006). Robotic skillsets acquired during residency show minimal improvement course training, although is correlated with advanced task performance. Changes curricula pursuit fellowship may be warranted surgeons seeking proficiency.