Learning Tools and Simulation in Robotic Surgery: State of the Art

Abstract

Robotic surgery has emerged as a new technology over the last decade and has brought with it new challenges, particularly in terms of teaching and training. To overcome these challenges, robotic courses, virtual simulation, and dual consoles have been successfully introduced. In fact, there are several simulators currently on the market that have proven to be a valid option for training, especially for the novice trainee. Robotic courses have also found success around the world, allowing participants to implement robotic programs at their institution, typically with the help of a proctor. More recently, the dual console has enabled two surgeons to be operating at the same time. Having one experienced surgeon and one trainee each at his or her own console has made it an obvious choice for training. Although these methods have been successfully introduced, the data remain relatively scarce concerning their role in training. The aim of this article was to review the various methods and tools involved in the training of surgeons in robotic surgery.

A methodological, task-based approach to Procedure-Specific Simulations training

“…This can be done either by more classic virtual reality, or utilizing more advanced augmented reality techniques. Several platforms currently exist that support virtual-reality training [4,5,7,20,21,24,41]. Initial validation studies of virtual-reality training in robotic surgery show encouraging results [6,16,19,23,25,41]; however, these platforms are yet to be fully validated for both basic-skill and procedural trainings.…”

Gynecological Surgery and the Robot

“…Even with a relative paucity of published reports on robotic simulators, and the lack of study in favor of one simulator over another, the trend is clearly in favor of virtual training [107]. Currently there are four commercially available simulators.…”

“…Various societies for robotic surgery are currently at work on a clear curriculum for the new generation of robotic surgeons, which hopefully will lead to standardization [107]. Trainees recognize the benefit of simulation training a questionnaire based study of a group of American urologic association trainees concluded Trainees believe that the simulator replicates real-life robotic console movements and almost all believe they would be benefit from having access to robotic simulation [108].…”

Untitled

“…One study demonstrated that set up and operative times significantly decrease as surgeons and staff became more familiar with the equipment and performed more cases 24 . By encouraging surgeons to enrol in the available robotic training programs or to practice with robotic simulation consoles, operating times and complication rates are expected to decrease [25][26][27] .…”