Virtual reality suturing task as an objective test for robotic experience assessment.

Michael A Liss,Joel Baumgartner,Ithaar H Derweesh,Tony Chen,Christopher J Kane

doi:10.1186/s12894-015-0051-4

Michael A Liss, Joel Baumgartner + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12894-015-0051-4

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Abstract

BackgroundWe performed a pilot study using a single virtual-simulation suturing module as an objective measurement to determine functional use of the robotic system. This study will assist in designing a study for an objective, adjunctive test for use by a surgical proctor.MethodsAfter IRB approval, subjects were recruited at a robotic renal surgery course to perform two attempts of the “Tubes” module without warm-up using the Da Vinci® Surgical Skills Simulator™. The overall MScore (%) from the simulator was compared among various skill levels to provide construct validity. Correlation with MScore and number of robotic cases was performed and pre-determined skill groups were tested. Nine metrics that make up the overall score were also tested via paired t test and subsequent logistic regression to determine which skills differed among experienced and novice robotic surgeons.ResultsWe enrolled 38 subjects with experience ranging from 0- < 200 robotic cases. Median time to complete both tasks was less than 10 min. The MScore on the first attempt was correlated to the number of previous robotic cases (R2 = 0.465; p = 0.003). MScore was different between novice and more experienced robotic surgeons on the first (44.7 vs. 63.9; p = 0.005) and second attempt (56.0 vs. 69.9; p = 0.037).ConclusionA single virtual simulator exercise can provide objective information in determining proficient use of the robotic surgical system.

Highlights

We performed a pilot study using a single virtual-simulation suturing module as an objective measurement to determine functional use of the robotic system
We investigate whether the overall score calculated from one advanced module (“Tubes”) on the Da Vinci® Surgical Skills SimulatorTM (DVSSS, Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) is associated with a number of previous robotic cases and assumed comfort with using the robotic system safely
Each participant was given a number for confidentiality in analysis and was asked to record the number of previous robotic cases performed as primary surgeon

Summary

Introduction

We performed a pilot study using a single virtual-simulation suturing module as an objective measurement to determine functional use of the robotic system. This study will assist in designing a study for an objective, adjunctive test for use by a surgical proctor. Robotic surgery encompasses new challenges in assessing skill, proctoring, and credentialing of surgeons [10]. Proctoring is an essential patient safety component of surgeon privileging for specific operations, including the Objective testing of the adequate use of a robotic surgical system may provide added information for institutions and proctors regarding specific surgeons’ comfort level and competency with the robotic equipment prior to live patient operative experience. We investigate whether the overall score calculated from one advanced module (“Tubes”) on the Da Vinci® Surgical Skills SimulatorTM (DVSSS, Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) is associated with a number of previous robotic cases and assumed comfort with using the robotic system safely

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Results

Conclusion