The paper presents the preliminary implementation of eLaparo4D, an immersive training space designed for videolaparoscopic surgery. This is a low-cost training space which integrates haptic devices with realistic surgery tools and 3D rendering with physically deformable 3D CG models of the human internal organs. The main objective of the eLaparo4D first prototype is to design effective training exercises for medicine students within a realistic scenario of a videolaparoscopic operating room. The simulator is based on a client/server layered architecture in order to act as a sort of data gateway: the hardware is interfaced with the physics 3D engine to obtain real-time performances, with an HTML5-based 3D output visual interface in order to integrate the tracking of operating sessions within a custom training platform

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The aim of this study is to investigate the importance of acquiring basic and advanced laparoscopic skills using a virtual reality low cost simulator in laparoscopic surgery. The authors have considered six basic and five advanced skills. The training exercises are related to the acquisition of tasks which allow students to reach basic gestures competences. In the second phase the students will perform complex drills to acquire a correct gesture. The authors have developed a standardized, graduated and evidence-based training course. A software able to handle the training task has been created through a virtual interface based on the concept “student - exercise – evaluation”. The results are expected because data analysis will be possible only after a period of simulator testing on different samples of students. Referring to the experience reported by other authors, they expect significant results in terms of: reduction of learning time, better dexterity, ability to recognize and correct procedural errors, positive economic impact in term of better patients outcome, analyzed by codified clinical indicators.

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