Effective Use of Laparoscopic Simulators in Gynecological Training.

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a haptic-enabled laparoscopic simulator in improving the surgical proficiency of residents across different experience levels.

Design: This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a haptic laparoscopic simulator (LAP Mentor) for gynecological procedures among residents. Participants were divided into three groups based on experience: senior, midlevel, and junior residents, and completed simulations of bilateral tubal ligation and prophylactic oophorectomy, with performance metrics including time taken and instrument movements recorded.

Result: While group 1 generally scored higher, no statistically significant differences were found between groups. Major bleeding incidents were rare, occurring once in group 2 during tubal ligation and twice in group 3 during prophylactic oophorectomy. Within-group analysis revealed improvements for group 2, which showed reduced duration (P = .006), left-hand movements (P = .009), and right-hand movements (P = .002) and group 3 also achieved statistically significant decreases in duration (P = .004), left-hand movements (P = .001), and right-hand movements (P = .003), indicating skill development over time.

Conclusion: Limited but regular access to advanced simulators-offered two or three times annually-could empower residency programs to meet contemporary surgical training standards without incurring prohibitive costs, ensuring broader access to high-quality skills development.