APPLICABILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VIRTUAL REALITY SIMULATOR TRAINING IN UROLOGIC SURGERY:A DOUBLE-BLIND RANDOMISED STUDY

Objective: Recently introduced laparoscopic virtual reality training simulators (LVRTS) are teaching systems designed to increase laparoscopic skills, and operating room performance virtual reality (VR) surgical training simulator is designed as a virtual setting resembling an operating field where basic, and advanced laparoscopic tasks can be realized. The aim of this study is to investigate the applicability, and also contribution of LVRTS which has a haptic-tactile feedback features to basic laparoscopic skills in the field of urologic surgery. Material and Method: In this study LapSim VR simulator training (Haptic LapSim Surgical Science Ltd), and conventional laparoscopic training were compared in a double-blind randomized study. Eight urologists completed the course under the supervision of the responsible mentor using VR Simulator Training System with haptic-tactile feedbackfeatures. (Group A). However; other eight urologists completed conventional physical laparoscopic training box still under the supervision of the responsible mentor (Group B). Then, all candidates attended standard specific laparoscopic training course. All of sixteen surgeons in both groups performed "Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Renal Cyst Decortication" under the guidance of the instructor incharge. Video films of the operation were recorded. Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills scale scores of the candidates were evaluated in a randomized double-blind design by four independent mentors. Results: Mann Whitney U test was used for the two group comparisons of the variables which were given numeric value specified by the measurement. There was no statistically significant difference observed between the two groups, in terms of respect to the tissue (p=0.64), duration of the operation and manipulations (p=0.50), instrumental experience (p=0.50), safety of manipulations (p=1.00), use of an assistant (p=1.00),flow of the operation (p=1.00) and the accuracy of the operative technique (p=0.38). Conclusion: Computerized laparoscopic VR simulator training system with haptic feedback is an effective, and applicable method in the achievement of basic, and advanced level laparoscopic skills.