Dry lab practice leads to improved laparoscopic performance in the operating room. J Surg Res 2009 Jun 01;154(1):163-6
Date
12/23/2008Pubmed ID
19101694DOI
10.1016/j.jss.2008.06.009Scopus ID
2-s2.0-67349185115 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 42 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Research has demonstrated that practice in surgical simulators leads to improved performance in that simulator. Our hypothesis is that skills acquired in simulators are transferable to the operating room.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three laparoscopically naïve surgical interns performed two standardized tasks in a simulator: pegboard transfer and intracorporeal knot tying. Performance was measured using a validated scoring system. On the same day as this initial assessment, subjects were videotaped performing two tasks in a live porcine model: running the small bowel and intracorporeal knot tying. Performance in the porcine model was measured using a modified version of a validated skills assessment tool by two blinded experts. Following a 6-wk proficiency-based dry lab laparoscopic training course, task performance was re-evaluated. No interval live operative laparoscopic experience occurred between the first and second assessment.
RESULTS: After training, mean pegboard transfer scores increased from 118.7 to 181.8 (theoretical maximum = 300; P < 0.01). Dry lab knot tying scores increased from 294.7 to 459.0 (theoretical maximum = 600, P < 0.01). In the porcine model, scores for the bowel running task increased from 8.5 to 13.5 (maximum score = 20 for both porcine tasks, P < 0.01). Knot tying scores increased from 7.3 to 14.3 (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION: Practice in a simulator leads to improved performance in that simulator and in a live operative model. We believe that this is evidence that laparoscopic skills developed in a dry laboratory setting are transferable to the operating room.
Author List
Stelzer MK, Abdel MP, Sloan MP, Gould JCAuthor
Jon Gould MD Chief, Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Clinical CompetenceCompetency-Based Education
Computer Simulation
Curriculum
Education, Medical, Graduate
Educational Measurement
Humans
Internship and Residency
Laparoscopy
Operating Rooms
Surgery, Plastic
Surgical Procedures, Operative
Suture Techniques
