Background The utility of the virtual-reality robotic simulator in training
programmes has not been clearly evaluated. Our aim was to evaluate the
impact of a virtual-reality robotic simulator-training programme on basic
surgical skills.
Methods A simulator-training programme in robotic surgery, using the da
Vinci Skills Simulator, was evaluated in a population including junior and seasoned
surgeons, and non-physicians. Their performances on robotic dots and
suturing-skin pod platforms before and after virtual-simulation training were
rated anonymously by surgeons experienced in robotics.
Results 39 participants were enrolled: 14 medical students and residents in
surgery, 14 seasoned surgeons, 11 non-physicians. Junior and seasoned
surgeons’ performances on platforms were not significantly improved after
virtual-reality robotic simulation in any of the skill domains, in contrast to
non-physicians.
Conclusions The benefits of virtual-reality simulator training on several
tasks to basic skills in robotic surgery were not obvious among surgeons
in our initial and early experience with the simulator
