Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of Videoendoscopic Simulation in Surgical Residents Training

Abstract

Background: In our study, we aimed to evaluate the contribution of video-endoscopy simulation for the development of gastroscopy and colonoscopy skills of residents in surgical resident training, using qualitative and quantitative methods. Materials and Methods:Sixteen novice surgeons were trained with an endoscopic virtual reality simulator. Ten colonoscopy and 10 gastroscopy cases were overviewed in this training. Three hundred-twenty gastroscopy and colonoscopy simulation modules were evaluated. Continious variables are presented as median and interquartile range. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to detect changes during the training. For the qualitative data of the study, in-depth interviews were conducted with the residents who completed the modules. At the end of the interviews, the answers were documented directly in the same day. The themes and subthemes related to the content were determined by two medical evaluators.Results: A significant improvement was observed both in colonoscopy and gastroscopy modules. While the time to reach the cecum in the colonoscopy module decreased from 20 minutes to 3 minutes on average, and the time to reach the duodenum in gastroscopy from 4 minutes to 3.6 minutes. The percentage of mucosal surface examined increased both in gastroscopy and colonoscopy. The time spent to obtain quality images did not change in gastroscopy, but there was an obvious increase in colonoscopy. The percentage of effective usage of the screen increased both in gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Qualitative data proved that all participants were satisfied by the training and benefited from it. Conclusion:The results of our study indicate the importance and advantage of the utilization of simulators in trainings that require interventional skills, before patient encounter. It has been shown that video-endoscopy simulation supports the dexterity of residents in gastroscopy and colonoscopy applications.