Virtual reality training in minimally invasive surgery

Aims: A major problem of minimally invasive surgery is training; here, virtual reality (VR) could be an important contribution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the learning benefits of computer simulation compared with conventional training modalities. Methods: Seventeen junior surgeons and twenty-four medical students were randomized into four groups. They practiced with, either a conventional laparoscopic training model or a VR simulator for one hour. After the practice session, each participant performed running sutures with a conventional laparoscopic training model for half an hour. The number of completed stitches and the average accuracy of each stitch were measured to assess the skills acquired by practice. Results: Regardless of the kind of training, junior surgeons performed better than medical students, especially with regard to suture speed. Both medical students and junior surgeons trained with VR tended to have better scores than those who underwent training with a conventional laparoscopic training model. Conclusion: Virtual reality (VR) training could make a major contribution to training in laparoscopic surgery but further studies will be needed to confirm promising initial results.