Implementation of simulation for training minimally invasive surgery*

Abstract

Minimal invasive techniques are rapidly becoming standard of surgical technique for many surgical procedures. To train the skills necessary to apply these techniques, box-trainers and/or inanimate models may be used, but these trainers lack the possibility of inherent objective classification of results. In the last decade virtual reality (VR) trainers were introduced for training minimal invasive techniques. Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) is, by nature, very suitable for this type of training. The specific psychomotor skills and eye-hand coordination needed for MIS can be mastered largely using VR simulation techniques. It is also possible to transfer skills learned on a simulator to real operations, resulting in error reduction and shortening of procedural operating time. Authors aim to enlighten the process of gaining acceptance in the Netherlands for novel training techniques. The Dutch Societies of Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Urology each developed individual training curricula for MIS using simulation techniques, to be implemented in daily practice. The ultimate goal is to improve patient safety. The authors outline the opinions of actors involved such as: different simulators, surgical trainees, surgeons, surgical societies, hospital boards, government and the public. The actual implementation of nationwide training curricula for MIS is, however, a challenging step. (Schreuder HWR, Oei G, Maas M, Borleffs JCC, Schijven MP. Implementation of simulation for traning minimally invasive surgery. Netherlands Journal of Medical Education 2011;30(5): 206-220.)