Robotic Surgery Training Research Articles

Use of targeted educational resources to improve robotic bariatric surgery training.

Evidence for how to best train surgical residents for robotic bariatric procedures is lacking. We developed targeted educational resources to promote progression on the robotic bariatric learning curve. This study aimed to characterize the effect of resources on resident participation in robotic bariatric procedures. Performance metrics from the da Vinci Surgical System were retrospectively reviewed for sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) cases involving general surgery trainees with a single robotic bariatric surgeon. Pictorial case guides and narrated operative videos were developed for these procedures and disseminated to trainees. Percent active control time (%ACT)-amount of trainee console time spent in active instrument manipulations over total active time from both consoles-was the primary outcome measure following dissemination. One-way ANOVA, Student's t-tests, and Pearson correlations were applied. From September 2020 to July 2021, 50 cases (54% SG, 46% RYGB) involving 14 unique trainees (PGY1-PGY5) were included. From November 2021 to May 2022 following dissemination, 29 cases (34% SG, 66% RYGB) involving 8 unique trainees were included. Mean %ACT significantly increased across most trainee groups following resource distribution: 21% versus 38% for PGY3s (p = 0.087), 32% versus 45% for PGY4s (p = 0.0009), and 38% versus 57% for PGY5s (p = 0.0015) and remained significant when stratified by case type. Progressive trainee %ACT was not associated with total active time for SG cases before or after intervention (pre r = -0.0019, p = 0.9; post r = -0.039, p = 0.9). It was moderately positively associated with total active time for RYGB cases before dissemination (r = 0.46, p = 0.027) but lost this association following intervention (r = 0.16, p = 0.5). Use of targeted educational resources promoted increases in trainee participation in robotic bariatric procedures with more time spent actively operating at the console. As educators continue to develop robotic training curricula, efforts should include high-quality resource development for other sub-specialty procedures. Future work will examine the impact of increased trainee participation on clinical and patient outcomes.

Structured Resident Training in Robotic Surgery: Recommendations of the Robotic Surgery Education Working Group

A universal resident robotic surgery training pathway that maximizes proficiency and safety has not been defined by a consensus of surgical educators or by surgical societies. The objective of the Robotic Surgery Education Working Group was to develop a universal curriculum pathway and leverage digital tools to support resident education. The two lead authors (JP and YN) contacted potential members of the Working Group. Members were selected based on their authorship of peer-review publications, their experience as minimally invasive and robotic surgeons, their reputations, and their ability to commit the time involved to work collaboratively and efficiently to reach consensus regarding best practices in robotic surgery education. The Group's approach was to reach 100% consensus to provide a transferable curriculum that could be applied to the vast majority of resident programs. Virtual and in-person meetings in the United States. Eight surgeons (2 females and 6 males) from five academic medical institutions (700-1541 beds) and three community teaching hospitals (231-607 beds) in geographically diverse locations comprised the Working Group. They represented highly specialized general surgeons and educators in their mid-to-late careers. All members were experienced minimally invasive surgeons and had national reputations as robotic surgery educators. The surgeons initially developed and agreed upon questions for each member to consider and respond to individually via email. Responses were collated and consolidated to present on an anonymized basis to the Group during an in-person day-long meeting. The surgeons self-facilitated and honed the agreed upon responses of the Group into a 5-level Robotic Surgery Curriculum Pathway, which each member agreed was relevant and expressed their convictions and experience. The current needs for a universal robotic surgery training curriculum are validated objective and subjective measures of proficiency, access to simulation, and a digital platform that follows a resident from their first day of residency through training and their entire career. Refinement of current digital solutions and continued innovation guided by surgical educators is essential to build and maintain a scalable, multi-institutional supported curriculum.

1170 An Experience of Arranging the UK’s First Free Robotic Surgery Workshop for Medical Students and Doctors Early in Their Careers

Abstract Aim Training opportunities for Robotic Surgery training are very competitive and expensive in the era of parallel training with consultants also in a learning phase. We share our experience of providing a free Robotic Surgery workshop to medical students and junior doctors under the umbrella of Association of Surgeons in training (ASiT). Method The course was organised as a collaboration between ASiT and Intuitive Surgical at Leicester General Hospital Educational centre. Dedicated opportunities were designed for device training, theory, and DaVinci XI console and simulator stations. Training was provided by a Robotic Surgery Fellow and Technical team from Intuitive on voluntary basis. No fees were charged for the course. Results 48 Delegates applied for registration. 23 were shortlisted into four groups. 13 medical students and 10 doctors were in attendance. Each Delegate was provided a dedicated time of at least 20 minutes on each station. Delegates had an opportunity to use the Console and Simulator for training exercises. Feedback from the course was resoundingly positive. To our knowledge this was the 1st free Robotic Surgery course in UK providing hands on experience to medical students and junior doctors. Conclusions Our experience of organizing a “Free Robotic Surgery Workshop” may be utilised nationally to increase training opportunities for medical students and junior doctors.

Robotic Medtronic Hugo™ RAS System Is Now Reality: Introduction to a New Simulation Platform for Training Residents.

The use of robotic surgery (RS) in urology has grown exponentially in the last decade, but RS training has lagged behind. The launch of new robotic platforms has paved the way for the creation of innovative robotics training systems. The aim of our study is to test the new training system from Hugo™ RAS System-Medtronic. Between July 2020 and September 2022, a total of 44 residents from urology, gynaecology and general surgery at our institution participated in advanced robotic simulation training using the Hugo™ RAS simulator. Information about sex, age, year of residency, hours spent playing video games, laparoscopic or robotic exposure and interest in robotics (90.9% declared an interest in robotics) was collected. The training program involved three robotic exercises, and the residents performed these exercises under the guidance of a robotics tutor. The residents' performance was assessed based on five parameters: timing, range of motion, panoramic view, conflict of instruments and exercise completion. Their performance was evaluated according to an objective Hugo system form and a subjective assessment by the tutor. After completing the training, the residents completed a Likert scale questionnaire to gauge their overall satisfaction. The rate of the residents' improvement in almost all parameters of the three exercises between the first and the last attempts was statistically significant (p < 0.02), indicating significant progress in the residents' robotic surgical skills during the training. The mean overall satisfaction score ± standard deviation (SD) was 9.4 ± 1.2, signifying a high level of satisfaction among the residents with the training program. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the training program utilizing the Hugo™ RAS System is effective in enhancing robotic surgical skills among residents and holds promise for the development of standardized robotics training programs in various surgical specialties.

Robotic Plastic Surgery Education: Developing a Robotic Surgery Training Program Specific to Plastic Surgery Trainees.

Over the past two decades, the surgical community has increasingly embraced robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) due to its potential to enhance accuracy and decrease surgical morbidity. Plastic surgery as a field has been historically slow to incorporate RAS, with lack of adequate training posing as one of the most commonly cited barriers. To date, robot technology has been utilized for various reconstructive procedures including flap elevation and inset, pedicle dissection, and microvascular anastomosis. As RAS continues to integrate within plastic surgery procedures, the need for a structured RAS curriculum designed for plastic surgery trainees is rising. This article delineates the essential components of a plastic surgery-specific RAS curriculum and outlines current training models and assessment tools utilized across surgical subspecialties to date.

SEMG-based Motion Recognition for Robotic Surgery Training - A Preliminary Study.

Robotic surgery represents a major breakthrough in the evolution of medical technology. Accordingly, efficient skill training and assessment methods should be developed to meet the surgeon's need of acquiring such robotic skills over a relatively short learning curve in a safe manner. Different from conventional training and assessment methods, we aim to explore the surface electromyography (sEMG) signal during the training process in order to obtain semantic and interpretable information to help the trainee better understand and improve his/her training performance. As a preliminary study, motion primitive recognition based on sEMG signal is studied in this work. Using machine learning (ML) technique, it is shown that the sEMG-based motion recognition method is feasible and promising for hand motions along 3 Cartesian axes in the virtual reality (VR) environment of a commercial robotic surgery training platform, which will hence serve as the basis for new robotic surgical skill assessment criterion and training guidance based on muscle activity information. Considering certain motion patterns were less accurately recognized than others, more data collection and deep learning-based analysis will be carried out to further improve the recognition accuracy in future research.

Tailored Practical Simulation Training in Robotic Surgery: A New Educational Technology

PurposeWe aimed to create a tailored robotic surgery training program that addresses current challenges, enhances patient outcomes, and focuses on skills, knowledge, and strategy. DescriptionThis study assesses the strengths and weaknesses of existing robotic surgery training methods and proposes a personalized simulation training approach for specific surgical situations. The program emphasizes technical and manual skill development, a robust medical knowledge foundation, and strategic planning using the development, demonstration, discussion, and sharing (3DS) concept. EvaluationTraditional training challenges, such as on-the-job training, animal models, and cadavers, are identified and addressed. The proposed tailored practical simulation training provides a cost-effective, realistic surgical experience, allowing surgeons to learn in a controlled environment and improving patient outcomes. ConclusionsThis comprehensive training program aims to enhance surgical outcomes and patient care in the rapidly evolving field of robotic surgery. Continuous education, industry collaboration, and knowledge sharing are vital to staying current with advances and optimizing surgical techniques and practices.

Compliance with Safety Assurance in Robotic Surgery: An Analytical Study in the Light of Jordanian Medical and Health Liability Law No. (25) of the Year 2018

The utilization of surgical robots by medical professionals may potentially result in patient harm within the field of medicine. Consequently, it has become imperative to adopt an approach that offers adequate safeguards for individuals affected by medical errors. As a result, the realm of jurisprudence and legal practice has sought a remedy to achieve this protection, ultimately identifying it within the framework of adhering to safety assurance. From this perspective, the present study examines the notion of committing to safety assurance and its application in the context of robotic surgery, whether or not a formal agreement exists between the patient and the surgeon. Notably, the Jordanian legislature does not explicitly outline the physician's responsibility to ensure patient safety within the Medical and Health Liability Law No. (25) of ) 2018 (The commitment to ensuring safety is not directly associated with the care delivered by the physician during the patient's treatment, as responsibilities are confined to what is feasible within the scope of medical practice. Patient safety encompasses aspects that could be influenced by medical tools and equipment, like surgical robots, which are distinct from medical expertise. These aspects include issues such as sterilization failures or inadequate training for operation and usage. In this context, the physician's duty is to achieve a specific outcome.In conclusion, the commitment to ensuring safety encompasses two primary dimensions. Firstly, the obligation for safety assurance requires the party involved to anticipate and predict potential adverse events. Secondly, it entails taking proactive measures to avert or mitigate the impact of such incidents to the greatest extent possible. This commitment involves various strategies, including comprehensive training in robotic surgery and enhancing patient awareness.In light of these findings, the researcher suggests making it obligatory to provide explicit training for surgeons who operate surgical robots. Additionally, it is recommended that the physician's responsibility to inform the patient be clearly stated within the Medical and Health Liability Law.

The importance of robotic surgery training in HPB fellowship: a survey of the 2022 AHPBA fellows

BackgroundThe 2022 incoming fellows’ expectations for their robotics training, as well as their perceptions of the utility of the surgical robot, are not well defined. MethodsCross-sectional survey of 24 AHPBA fellows in 2022, analyzed with descriptive statistics and Spearman's rho. ResultsOf 33 current AHPBA fellows, 22 completed the survey (66.7%). Study participants had limited-to-moderate experience with robotics prior to fellowship (mean 2.5 ± SD 1.1; range 1–4). Most participants agreed that robotics influenced their fellowship choice (mean 4.14 ± SD 0.87; range 1–5), would make then more marketable (mean 4.77 ± SD 0.52; range 1–5) and improve job prospects (mean 4.68 ± SD 0.87; range 1–5). Of the study participants, 55% responded that robotics training is “essential” in fellowship, while 64% responded that it is “essential” for their careers. Fellows were only slightly satisfied with overall robotics training within their respective programs (mean 3.44 ± SD 1.17; range 1–5) The majority (73.7%) expect that robotics will comprise <25% of their training. Notably, the majority (75%) have no formal robotics training curriculum. DiscussionThis survey identifies potential gaps where robotics training could be improved for future incoming AHPBA fellows.

Intentional enterotomies: validation of a novel robotic surgery training exercise.

While laparoscopic simulation-based training is a well-established component of general surgery training, no such requirement or standardized curriculum exists for robotic surgery. Furthermore, there is a lack of high-fidelity electrocautery simulation training exercises in the literature. Using Messick's validity framework, we sought to determine the content, response process, internal content and construct validity of a novel inanimate tissue model that utilizes electrocautery for potential incorporation in such curricula. A multi-institutional, prospective study involving medical students (MS) and general surgery residents (PGY1-3) was conducted. Participants performed an exercise using a biotissue bowel model on the da Vinci Xi robotic console during which they created an enterotomy using electrocautery, followed by approximation with interrupted sutures. Participant performance was recorded and then scored by crowd-sourced assessors of technical skill, along with three of the authors. Construct validity was determined via difference in Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) score, time to completion, and total number of errors between the two cohorts. Upon completion of the exercise, participants were surveyed on their perception of the exercise and its impact on their robotic training to determine content validity. 31 participants were enrolled and separated into two cohorts: MS + PGY1 vs. PGY2-3. Time spent on the robotic trainer (0.8 vs. 8.13h, p = 0.002), number of bedside robotic assists (5.7 vs. 14.8, p < 0.001), and number of robotic cases as primary surgeon (0.3 vs. 13.1, p < 0.001) were statistically significant between the two groups. Differences in GEARS scores (18.5 vs. 19.9, p = 0.001), time to completion (26.1 vs. 14.4min, p < 0.001), and total errors (21.5 vs. 11.9, p = 0.018) between the groups were statistically significant as well. Of the 23 participants that completed the post-exercise survey, 87% and 91.3% reported improvement in robotic surgical ability and confidence, respectively. On a 10-point Likert scale, respondents rated the realism of the exercise 7.5, educational benefit 9.1, and effectiveness in teaching robotic skills 8.7. Controlling for the upfront investment of certain training materials, each exercise iteration cost ~ $30. This study confirmed the content, response process, internal structure and construct validity of a novel, high-fidelity and cost-effective inanimate tissue exercise which successfully incorporates electrocautery. Consideration should be given to its addition to robotic surgery training programs.

Insight into the history and trends of surgical simulation training in education: a bibliometric analysis.

Surgical simulation training enables surgeons to acquire clinical experience or skills from the operating room to the simulation environment. Historically, it has changed with advances in science and technology. Moreover, no previous study has analyzed this field from the bibliometric analysis dimension. The study aimed to review changes in surgical simulation training worldwide using bibliometric software. Two searches were performed on the core collection database, Web of Science, regarding data from 1991 to the end of 2020 using three topic words (surgery, training, and simulation). From 1 January 2000, to 15 May 2022, the keyword 'robotic' was added for the hotspot exploration. The data were chiefly analyzed by publication date, country, author(s), and keywords using bibliometric software. A total of 5285 articles were initially analyzed, from which it was clear that laparoscopic skill, three-dimensional printing, and virtual reality were the main focuses during those study periods. Subsequently, 348 publications on robotic surgery training were identified. This study systematically summarizes the current status in the field of surgical simulation training and provides insights into the research focuses and future hotspot in a global context.

Incorporation of a robotic surgery training curriculum in acute care surgical fellowship.

Incorporation of a robotic surgery training curriculum in acute care surgical fellowship.

A long distance telesurgical demonstration on robotic surgery phantoms over 5G.

Using robotic technology and communications infrastructure to remotely perform surgery has been a persistent goal in medical research in the past three decades. The recent deployment of the Fifth-Generation Wireless Networks has revitalized the research efforts in the telesurgery paradigm. Offering low latency and high bandwidth communication, they are well suited for applications that require real-time data transmission and can allow smoother communication between surgeon and patient, making it possible to remotely perform complex surgeries. In this paper, we investigate the effects of the 5G network on surgical performance during a telesurgical demonstration where the surgeon and the robot are separated by nearly 300km. The surgeon performed surgical exercises on a robotic surgery training phantom using a novel telesurgical platform. The master controllers were connected to the local site on a 5G network, teleoperating the robot remotely in a hospital. A video feed of the remote site was also streamed. The surgeon performed various tasks on the phantom such as cutting, dissection, pick-and-place and ring tower transfer. To assess the usefulness, usability and image quality of the system, the surgeon was subsequently interviewed using three structured questionnaires. All tasks were completed successfully. The low latency and high bandwidth of the network resulted into a latency of 18 ms for the motion commands while the video delay was about 350 ms. This enabled the surgeon to operate smoothly with a high-definition video from about 300km away. The surgeon viewed the system's usability in a neutral to positive way while the video image was rated as of good quality. 5G networks provide significant advancement in the field of telecommunications, offering faster speeds and lower latency than previous generations of wireless technology. They can serve as an enabling technology for telesurgery and further advance its application and adoption.

MP25-01 AN ETHICAL ROBOTIC SURGICAL TRAINING CURRICULUM USING SIMULATION AND 3D PRINTED SYNTHETIC ORGANS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP25-01 AN ETHICAL ROBOTIC SURGICAL TRAINING CURRICULUM USING SIMULATION AND 3D PRINTED SYNTHETIC ORGANS Daniel Costello, Dean Driscoll, Ahmed Ghazi, and Anthony Costello Daniel CostelloDaniel Costello More articles by this author , Dean DriscollDean Driscoll More articles by this author , Ahmed GhaziAhmed Ghazi More articles by this author , and Anthony CostelloAnthony Costello More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003253.01AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: It is no longer necessary to rely on live animals or cadavers for surgical training. We used 3D printing technology and injection moulding to produce realistic hydrogel synthetic organs for robotic surgery training. These synthetic organ models were a key pillar in a novel multistep robotic surgery curriculum. Phase 1 included an online learning program the first robotic surgery course accredited by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. This course included access to a catalogue of live 3D video accessible through VR headsets. Participants then proceeded to VR simulation training, dry lab exercises and human factors training in preparation for procedural training on hydrogel organs. When proficiency was achieved finally live human surgery. Following are results from the synthetic organ robotic procedures. METHODS: Three different synthetic organ models were fabricated for this study; an anatomically correct insufflatable anterior abdominal wall for port placement, a robot assisted partial nephrectomy model and a robot assisted radical prostatectomy model. These models were fabricated using 3D digital models segmented from patient CT images using computer aided-design software. These models were uploaded to 3D printers to generate negative moulds, which were injected with polyvinyl alcohol, a low-cost hydrogel. These positive casts went through freeze thaw cycles achieving different tissue consistencies. These casts were layered in anatomically correct positions creating multi-step procedural models with clinically relevant objective surgical performance metrics. Metrics include blood loss, nerve injury measured by digital strain gauges, cancer margins using fluorescence, anastomosis leak tests, operative time and video based skill assessment. RESULTS: Twenty surgeons performed robotic surgery on 5 synthetic abdomens, 10 hydrogel partial nephrectomies and 30 radical prostatectomies. Participants ranged in experience from novice to experts. Clinically relevant performance metrics were recorded and GEARS video tool was used to assess proficiency. Preliminary validity assessments demonstrate face, content, construct, concurrent and predictive validity. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated feasibility and preliminary educational validity of realistic synthetic human organ models for urological robotic surgery. These models offer a viable alternative to live animal and cadaver surgery training, without associated cost, ethical and accessibility drawbacks. Source of Funding: An equipment grant was provided by Intuitive Surgical for simulation surgeries © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e342 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Daniel Costello More articles by this author Dean Driscoll More articles by this author Ahmed Ghazi More articles by this author Anthony Costello More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Impact of educational video on performance in robotic simulation training (TAKUMI-1): a randomized controlled trial

The use of virtual reality for simulations plays an important role in the initial training for robotic surgery. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the impact of educational video on the performance of robotic simulation. Participants were randomized into the intervention (video) group that received an educational video and robotic simulation training or the control group that received only simulation training. The da Vinci® Skills Simulator was used for the basic course, including nine drills. The primary endpoint was the overall score of nine drills in cycles 1–10. Secondary endpoints included overall, efficiency, and penalty scores in each cycle, as well as the learning curves evaluated by the cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. Between September 2021 and May 2022, 20 participants were assigned to the video (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. The video group had significantly higher overall scores than the control group (90.8 vs. 72.4, P < 0.001). Significantly higher overall scores and lower penalty scores were confirmed, mainly in cycles 1–5. CUSUM analysis revealed a shorter learning curve in the video group. The present study demonstrated that educational video training can be effective in improving the performance of robotic simulation training and shortening the learning curve.

How I Do It: Structured Narration for Cognitive Simulation-based Training in Robotic Surgery

Video in robotic surgical education is an important and effective training tool. The educational benefit of video training tools can be enhanced by incorporating cognitive simulation using mental imagery. Narration of robotic surgical training video is an under-explored aspect of video design. Narration can be structured to stimulate visualization and procedural mental mapping. To achieve this, narration should be constructed to follow operative phases and steps and include the procedural, technical and cognitive components. This approach provides a foundation for building an understanding of the key concepts required to safely complete a procedure.

Robotic-assisted surgery training (RAST) program: module 1 of a three-module program. Assessment of patient cart docking skills and educational environment.

There is currently no standardized robotic surgery training program in General Surgery Residency. RAST involves three modules: ergonomics, psychomotor, and procedural. This study aimed to report the results of module 1, which assessed the responsiveness of 27 PGY (postgraduate year) 1-5 general surgery residents (GSRs) to simulated patient cart docking, and to evaluate the residents' perception of the educational environment from 2021 to 2022. GSRs prepared with pre-training educational video and multiple-choice questions test (MCQs). Faculty provided one-on-one resident hands-on training and testing. Nine proficiency criteria (deploy cart; boom control; driving cart; docking camera port; targeting anatomy; flex joints; clearance joints; port nozzles; emergency undocking) were assessed with five-point Likert scale. A validated 50-item Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) inventory was used by GSRs to assess the educational environment. Mean MCQ scores: (90.6 ± 16.1 PGY1), (80.2 ± 18.1PGY2), (91.7 ± 16.5 PGY3) and (PGY4, 86.8 ± 18.1 PGY5) (ANOVA test; p = 0.885). Hands-on docking time decreased at testing when compared to base line: median 17.5 (range 15-20) min vs. 9.5 (range 8-11). Mean hands-on testing score was 4.75 ± 0.29 PGY1; 5.0 ± 0 PGY2 and PGY3, 4.78 ± 0.13 PGY4, and 4.93 ± 0.1 PGY5 (ANOVA test; p = 0.095). No correlation was found between pre-course MCQ score and hands-on training score (Pearson correlation coefficient = -0.359; p = 0.066). There was no difference in the hands-on scores stratified by PGY. The overall DREEM score was 167.1 ± 16.9 with CAC = 0.908 (excellent internal consistency). Patient cart training impacted the responsiveness of GSRs with 54% docking time reduction and no differences in hands-on testing scores among PGYs with a highly positive perception.

Current status and challenges of robotic surgery in Pakistan.

Current status and challenges of robotic surgery in Pakistan.

UroBOT: A national survey of Canadian urology residents and fellows on robot-assisted surgery.

Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) has a positive impact on the quality of care given to patients. Its increasing adoption in Canadian urology practice also influences the surgical training of residents and fellows. Currently, the lack of clear objectives makes RAS education challenging. The main objective of our study was to highlight how urology trainees perceive the importance of RAS and the standardization of its training. In 2021, we conducted a survey of all the residents and fellows enrolled in a Canadian urology program. The questions assessed their opinion on the importance of RAS and on their robotic surgery training. The response rate was 29%. The majority of participants (67%) wished they would have a better exposure to RAS during their surgical training. Only 7% of respondents reported that their program had clear criteria to help them progress through the steps of RAS, and most trainees (81%) felt their residency program should provide them with a formal RAS training program. Seventy-six percent of respondents believed that RAS would become a core skill required by the Royal College in the future, although 32% feared it would hinder their ability to learn other important techniques, such as open surgery. Our study revealed that although most respondents are interested in RAS, their training lacks standardization. Moreover, the potential integration of RAS as a core skill of the Royal College faces some important challenges, mostly due to the perceived lack of time to learn a new surgical technique.

Robotic4all project: Results of a hands-on robotic surgery training program

ObjectiveAlthough robotic surgery adoption and its indications are growing worldwide, for multiple factors, including costs, there is a lack of training and experience. Our aim was to study the impact of a robotic introduction training program on gesture performance, such as suturing, in robot-naive individuals. MethodsUsing the DaVinci robot, a 2-hour program was based on virtual reality and anatomical model exercises. All participants performed 3 repetitions of virtual reality exercises on the virtual simulator, and then performed and were assessed on 2 tests, ie robot and laparoscopic training box. After the course, the participants were surveyed for this training program. ResultsTwenty-seven residents and surgeons were enrolled in the training program. With only 2 hours of training, all of the participants were able to complete the training program, thus learning generic and specific skills in robotic surgery. In virtual reality exercise, the scores of the 3 exercises increased significantly with every repetition (p < 0.001) and the size of the increase was large. The completion time on the robot platform was 2.6 times faster (169.33 ± 28.28 s vs. 447.96 ± 156.55 s, p < 0.001) than that in the laparoscopic box, and the difference between both types of tests was large (pη2 = 0.797). The centralization and passage of the needle were significantly better on the robot platform (5 vs. 3, p < 0.001, r = 0.47; 5 vs. 4, p < 0.001, r = 0.59) than in the laparoscopic box. For the intracorporeal stitch+knot test, every participant was able to perform the exercise on the robot but only 85.2% (23/27) in the laparoscopic box. Twenty-one participants answered the survey, and 13 (61.9%) of them considered robotic performance independent of laparoscopic experience. ConclusionsSurgeons are interested and seek training in robotic surgery. We implemented the first hands-on robotic surgery training program in Portugal and participants considered it was important and adequate for its purpose. All participants, even without robotic experience, learned quicker, performed better, faster and more precisely on the robot over laparoscopy.