Learning curves and impact of previous operative experience on performance on a virtual reality simulator to test laparoscopic surgical skills.

摘要: Abstract Background The study was carried out to analyze the learning rate for laparoscopic skills on a virtual reality training system and establish whether simulator able differentiate between surgeons with different experience. Methods Forty-one were divided into three groups according their experience in surgery: masters (group 1, performed more than 100 cholecystectomies), intermediates 2, 15 80 beginners 3, fewer 10 cholecystectomies) included study. participants tested Minimally Invasive Surgical Trainer–Virtual Reality (MIST-VR) consecutive times within 1-month period. Assessment of time, errors, economy hand movement, measured by simulator. Results curves regarding time reached plateau after second repetition group fifth seventh 3 (Friedman's tests P >0.2) indicating absence curve these parameters. Group 2 error scores first repetition, repetition. improved movement score up third sixth tests, Conclusions Different existed background. familiarization proportional operative surgeons. Experienced demonstrated best performance simulator, followed those intermediate beginners. These differences indicate that scoring MIST-VR is sensitive specific measuring relevant surgery.