Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2019 | Laparoscopy | Research article
Simulation as tool for evaluating and improving technical skills in laparoscopic gynecological surgery
Published in: BMC Surgery | Issue 1/2019
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Background
Simulation in laparoscopic surgery is nowadays recognized as a valid instrument for learning and training surgeons in different procedures. However, its role as evaluation test and self-assessment tool to verify basic surgical skills is still under discussion.
Methods
Thirty-three residents in obstetrics and gynecology at University of Pisa, Italy were recruited, and they received a simulation program consisting of 5 tasks. They had to perform basic laparoscopic surgery maneuvers as creating pneumoperitoneum, positioning trocars under vision, demonstrating the appropriate use of dominant and non-dominant hand and making single stitch and knot. They were evaluated with a modified OSATs scale.
Results
Senior trainees had better score than junior trainees (p value< 0,005) and after different sessions of simulation scores of both groups significantly improved (p < 0,001), especially for the junior group. All the trainees reported self-assessments that matched with the evaluation of external observers demonstrating the importance of simulation also as auto-evaluation test.
Conclusions
In this study, we demonstrated the role of simulation as powerful tool to evaluate and to self-assess surgical technical skills and to improve own capacities, with the use of a modified OSATs scale adapted to specific exercises.