Background: Virtual reality simulation is effective in training the novice to perform basic laparoscopic skills. Methods: Using the Minimally Invasive Surgery Training—Virtual Reality (MIST-VR) trainer, 27 honors high school students were tested at the easy level, prospectively randomized to eight training sessions at the easy (group A, n = 14) or medium (group B, n = 13) level, then retested at the easy level. Results: Both groups were statistically similar at baseline. All scores improved significantly (50.1% to 81.3%) over the period of training (p < 0.05). Although the group A scores were significantly better than the group B scores throughout training (p < 0.05), on final testing at the easy level, group B surpassed group A for all the tasks except TransferPlace (p = 0.054). Conclusions: Virtual simulation is an effective laparoscopic training method for the novice, providing significant improvement in skill levels over a relatively short period. More challenging training seems to predict greater improvement over time and better final skill levels.
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Ali, M., Mowery, Y., Kaplan, B. et al. Training the novice in laparoscopy . Surg Endosc 16, 1732–1736 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-002-8850-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-002-8850-6