Improved methodology of using simulators develops better practical skills in laparoscopy of future residents

In: Romanian Journal of Military Medicine, Band 122, Heft 2, S. 12-15

Abstract

Background and aim: Minimally invasive surgery represents the actual tendency in many medical domains including urology. Gaining practical skills for these procedures becomes essential when preparing the future resident physicians in urology. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that using medical simulation as an education tool improves the practical skills of the urology house officers in laparoscopy by using an accessible tool such as a box trainer. Methods: The study includes the objective and subjective evaluation of the practical skills of 54 students with no experience in laparoscopy. Each participant was evaluated before doing the practical activity on the simulator both in a subjective manner by filling a self-evaluation form and also objectively by timing the duration of doing laparoscopic basic tasks, knot tying and realizing a continuous suture. The participants were divided in two groups (A-28 participants, B-26 participants). Each group executed the same procedures with the same instruments, but with a different teaching technique. Results and conclusions: Medical education with the help of a laparoscopic box trainer simulator is a useful tool for improving practical abilities and the time of execution of general procedures.