Utilization and Surgical Skill Transferability of the Simulator Robot to the Clinical Robot for Urology Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Virtual reality is an increasingly popular surgical training tool in Australia, following the introduction of Australia's first virtual reality simulation machine at Liverpool Hospital, Sydney. This literature review aims at identifying gaps in previous studies, and in providing a comprehensive review of future studies to be further developed in Australia. Method: A multi-field research was performed combining the key terms ‘uro*' and ‘virtua*' and ‘simula*' and ‘robo*'. Academic search engines used in this literature review included ‘Medline', ‘Scopus', and ‘Sciencedirect'. Studies with laparoscopic skills as a focused investigation but not robotic skills were excluded. Critical appraisal of each of the article was conducted with a discussion of key topic involving urologists with expert skills on robotic surgery. Result: A thorough literature review discovered 3 main types of studies in this area. These are: (1) validity studies; (2) studies specific for urology procedures; (3) studies on skill transfer, in general. Cohort study and randomized control trial are the 2 dominant forms of research designs. Conclusion: Future studies need to focus more around the investigation of operation-specific training, in conjunction with skills-based teaching. Also, it is important that these studies incorporate teamwork, decision-making, and communication skills.

Feasibility, effectiveness and transferability of a novel mastery-based virtual reality robotic training platform for general surgery residents

“…Importantly, we found that skills acquired through VR training were transferable to the inanimate environment. This finding has been previously described for prior robotic VR platforms [ 25 , 26 ] but no studies had examined transferability for the SimNow® platform. After performing VR training, residents showed major improvements in total time, total errors, and total OSATS on the inanimate drills; these improvements were demonstrated when analyzed as one cohort as well as when analyzed as individual classes.…”

Lessons Learned and New Challenges: Re-evaluation of End-User Assessment of a Skills-Based Training Program for Urology Trainees

“…The use of virtual reality simulation for robotic surgery in Australia has already been described in the literature and is increasingly available in the American surgical training system. 8,9 These advances are moving so quickly that it is now augmented reality training that is being discussed as the future of surgical skill acquisition. 10 A systematic review on the use of virtual reality training for laparoscopic surgery found that operating times were significantly reduced, even when compared with training programs that included box trainer models, such as those used in the USANZ sessions.…”

The role of Da Vinci Xi robotic simulation curriculum in enhancing skills in robotic colorectal surgery

“…Training of new robotic surgeons should entail both technical and non-technical skills, including decision-making, troubleshooting, and effective communication 6 . After the acquisition of psychomotor skills and basic console orientation, the dVSS curriculum provides more complex exercises.…”

“…Robotic Surgical training on a virtual simulator promises better patient outcomes with lower complication rates. Simulation allows for progress through the learning curve and is transferable to the clinical setting 6 .…”