Surgical Simulation: A Urological Perspective

Abstract

Surgical simulation is an exciting area of surgical education. The future is bright as advancements in computing and graphical capabilities offer new innovations in simulator technology. Simulators must continue to undergo rigorous validation studies to ensure that time spent by trainees on bench trainers and virtual reality simulators will translate into improved surgical skills in the operating room.

Urology technical and non‐technical skills development: the emerging role of simulation

“…A variety of training tools can be used to facilitate surgical training before operating on a live patient, including online delivery of didactic teaching, video instruction to prepare the trainee, and some type of simulation environment [23,24]. Pre-training in open surgical exposure, as well as in-training exposure, has been compromised with the advent of minimally invasive technologies and shorter training timeframes.…”

“…A true simulator is one that can 'enable the operator to reproduce or represent under test conditions phenomena likely to occur in actual performance' and can include a variety of real and virtual models [23]. Specific competencies within a training program can be identified where simulation in its variety of forms can be incorporated [21].…”

“…Validation tools already exist including virtual reality simulators such as the Uro-Mentor TM (Simbionix Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA) for cystoscopy and ureteroscopy [85,86]. 2 Middle phase: This consolidation stage could include simulators for trans-urethral surgery (VirtaMed UroSim TM ) [87] and more advanced laparoscopy (including the robotic platform) [23,88]. Non-technical aspects could include full team scenarios either in the operating room, clinic or ward [32].…”

Laparoscopy Training Courses in Urology

“…(Wignall et al, 2008) The different types of simulation can be categorized by the concept of fidelity. Low fidelity simulators such as box trainers are those that do not accurately mimic the surgical environment.…”

Computer-Based Simulation in Blended Learning Curriculum for Hazardous Waste Site Worker Health and Safety Training

“…In Ireland, simulation has provided an effective delivery of blended learning approaches within the construction industry to deliver life-long learning opportunities (Wall & Ahmed, 2008). Simulation has been successfully applied to numerous educational scenarios in the fields of medicine, engineering, education/ teacher training, scientific visualization, manufacturing, prototyping, computer science, environmental education, and business (Gettman et al, 2008;Ioannidou, Paraskevopoulos, & Tzionas, 2006;Lainema & Nurmi, 2006;Mujber, Szecsi, & Hashmi, 2004;Nickerson, Corter, Esche, & Chassapis, 2007;Park et al, 2007;Passman, Fleser, Dattilo, Guzman, & Naslund, 2007;Pfahl, Laitenberger, Ruhe, Dorsch, & Krivobokova, 2004;Smolle, Prause, & SmolleJüttner, 2007;Wignall et al, 2008). In concurrence with our experience reported here, integration of simulation provides a blended learning approach that is safe, efficient, provides complex models of reality that facilitate continuous problem-solving and enhanced comprehension, and cultivates critical thinking and collaborative learning (Hmelo-Silver, 2003;Lainema & Nurmi, 2006;Smolle et al, 2007;Wall & Ahmed, 2008).…”