Assessment of Basic Laparoscopic Skills for Surgical Residents on Simulation Based Endotrainer

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Minimal invasive surgery revolution has bestowed surgeons the power to gain maximum access in surgical area of interest while inflicting minimal trauma. Simulator based training develops cognitive and psychomotor skills which identifies the limitations and strength of learner. AIM To assess the role of endotrainer for development of laparoscopic skills amongst surgical residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS A structured endotrainer program was conducted among 18 surgical residents for a period of 2 months from May – July22 in the department of general surgery in RRMCH, Bangalore, consisting of various tasks which each resident performed regularly for 2 months. The tasks performed were evaluated by a mentor on the basis of Global Rating Scale and the time taken to perform each task and feedback was taken from the subjects. RESULTS T test for 2 dependent mean using SPSS version23 with P value of <0.05 was considered significant. Significant improvement observed in the performance of each participant from DAY1 to DAY30 and further to DAY60 both with respect to time taken as well as GRS score. Day 1, Day 30 and Day 60 GRS mean percentage growth exhibits 45% to 75% to 80% respectively. CONCLUSION Short term training not only proved to show significant improvement in the cognitive performance alongside exploring feedbacks, limitations and building perseverance. We conclude that simulation based training is the need of the hour in this laparoscopy era and should be incorporated as a compulsory module in the curriculum of postgraduate training.