A Prospective Study on a Suture Force Feedback Device for Training and Evaluating Junior Surgeons in Anastomotic Surgical Closure.

Abstract

Surgical reconstruction is a crucial stage in various surgeries, including pancreaticoduodenectomy, as it can significantly affect the surgical results. The objective was to design a suture force feedback (SFF) device that can precisely measure the suture force during surgical closures. Afterward, the device was used to train junior surgeons in surgical closure techniques. The SFF was used to capture the suture force data of experienced surgeons. This data was utilized to train and assess junior surgeons. The SFF device had 2 tactile-based force sensors that measured the applied force. Whenever the applied force was not within the optimal force range, the device provided feedback to the surgeon. A workshop was conducted to train junior surgeons in surgical closure techniques to improve their suturing skills. Thirty-seven junior surgeons were enrolled in this training, of whom only 24 completed the 30-day training program. The pre-assessment results revealed that the force exerted by junior surgeons during suture knot-tying was uneven compared with that of the experienced surgeons, with a significant difference in the force exerted per knot throw (P = 0.005. Before the training program, junior surgeons applied a force of 3.89 ± 0.43N, which was more than twice the force applied by experienced surgeons (1.75 ± 0.12N). However, after completing the 30-day training program, their force improved to 2.35 ± 0.13N. The SFF device was shown to be an encouraging training tool for improving the surgical closure dexterity and technique of the participating junior surgeons.