Virtual reality simulator face validity for topographic real situation of inflated abdomen

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the face validity of LapSIM® (haptic feedback Xitact™ IHP, Mentice AB, Sweden) for the topographic real condition of the inflated abdomen in upper urinary tract laparoscopic interventions. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted with 30 urologists with experience in transperitoneal laparoscopic renal surgery. Surgeons were divided into three groups: novices, intermediate experience, and experts. After performing the tasks, the participants were then asked to finish a five-item questionnaire regarding the face validity of the simulator. Participants answered questions with ratings from 1 (not realistic/useful) to 5 (very realistic/useful). Results: The mean age of the study group was 38.33 ± 5.45 (29–47) years. The mean years of experience of the doctors were 4.27 ± 1.89 (1–7) years. All the variables showed significant differences from the ideal value of 5. We also tested whether the medians differed from 3, and the restrained body posture of the surgeon, the monitor position, and the trocar position not show significance with one-sided P value of P = 0.825, P = 0.992, and P = 0.265, respectively. Conclusion: Although the LapSIM® virtual reality simulator provides face validity for the topographic real condition of the inflated abdomen, it should be improved.