Abstract
BackgroundA virtual reality (VR) simulator is utilized as an inexpensive tool for gaining basic technical competence in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). We evaluated operator 3D motion sickness while using a VR simulator and assessed whether it can be reduced by repeating the training.MethodsThis prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Iwate Medical University, a tertiary training hospital in an urban setting. A total of 30 undergraduate medical students participated in the study. We compared whether the VR simulator improved the students’ skills in operating the da Vinci robot. Fifteen students underwent training with a VR simulator for 4 h a day for 5 days. Then, motion sickness was determined using the Visual Analog Scale and Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) before and after the training.ResultsManipulation time significantly improved after training compared to before training (293.9 ± 72.4 versus 143.6 ± 18.4 s; p < 0.001). Although motion sickness worsened after each training session, it gradually improved with continuous practice with the VR simulator. SSQ subscores showed that the VR simulator induced nausea, disorientation, and oculomotor strain, and oculomotor strain was significantly improved with repeated training.ConclusionsIn undergraduate students, practice with the VR simulator improved RAS skills and operator 3D motion sickness caused by 3D manipulation of the da Vinci robot.
Highlights
A virtual reality (VR) simulator is utilized as an inexpensive tool for gaining basic technical competence in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS)
Since there is a lack of high-level evidence on whether VR simulators can guide a surgeon to the proficiency level necessary to perform RAS, various studies have investigated the efficacy and reproducibility of VR simulators [9,10,11]
Before training with the VR simulator, there was no significant difference in completion time between the trained and non-trained groups (293.9 ± 72.4 and 350.5.4 ± 125.3 s, respectively; p = 0.142)
Summary
A virtual reality (VR) simulator is utilized as an inexpensive tool for gaining basic technical competence in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). Since there is a lack of high-level evidence on whether VR simulators can guide a surgeon to the proficiency level necessary to perform RAS, various studies have investigated the efficacy and reproducibility of VR simulators [9,10,11] They have not considered the operator’s fatigue caused by gazing at three-dimensional (3D) images in VR. Recent dramatic advances in video presentation technology have made it possible to construct 3D models in the medical field It can cause symptoms of physical fatigue, such as dizziness, headache, and nausea, i.e., visually induced motion sickness, and these symptoms are problematic [12]
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