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01-07-2020 | 2019 SAGES Oral

Characterizing the learning curve of a virtual intracorporeal suturing simulator VBLaST-SS©

Authors: Yaoyu Fu, Lora Cavuoto, Di Qi, Karthikeyan Panneerselvam, Venkata Sreekanth Arikatla, Andinet Enquobahrie, Suvranu De, Steven D. Schwaitzberg

Published in: Surgical Endoscopy | Issue 7/2020

Abstract

Background

The virtual basic laparoscopic skill trainer suturing simulator (VBLaST-SS©) was developed to simulate the intracorporeal suturing task in the FLS program. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the training effectiveness and participants’ learning curves on the VBLaST-SS© and to assess whether the skills were retained after 2 weeks without training.

Methods

Fourteen medical students participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to two training groups (7 per group): VBLaST-SS© or FLS, based on the modality of training. Participants practiced on their assigned system for one session (30 min or up to ten repetitions) a day, 5 days a week for three consecutive weeks. Their baseline, post-test, and retention (after 2 weeks) performance were also analyzed. Participants’ performance scores were calculated based on the original FLS scoring system. The cumulative summation (CUSUM) method was used to evaluate learning. Two-way mixed factorial ANOVA was used to compare the effects of group, time point (baseline, post-test, and retention), and their interaction on performance.

Results

Six out of seven participants in each group reached the predefined proficiency level after 7 days of training. Participants’ performance improved significantly (p < 0.001) after training within their assigned group. The CUSUM learning curve shows that one participant in each group achieved 5% failure rate by the end of the training period. Twelve out of fourteen participants’ CUSUM curves showed a negative trend toward achieving the 5% failure rate after further training.

Conclusion

The VBLaST-SS© is effective in training laparoscopic suturing skill. Participants’ performance of intracorporeal suturing was significantly improved after training on both systems and was retained after 2 weeks of no training.

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Authors: Yaoyu Fu
Lora Cavuoto
Di Qi
Karthikeyan Panneerselvam
Venkata Sreekanth Arikatla
Andinet Enquobahrie
Suvranu De
Steven D. Schwaitzberg
Publication date: 01-07-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Surgical Endoscopy / Issue 7/2020
Print ISSN: 0930-2794
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2218
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-019-07081-6

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Springer Medicine

Characterizing the learning curve of a virtual intracorporeal suturing simulator VBLaST-SS©

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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