Ignacio Zapardiel1, Alicia Hernandez2, Javier De Santiago2. 1. Gynecologic Oncology Unit, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: ignaciozapardiel@hotmail.com. 2. Gynecologic Oncology Unit, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of robotic-driven handheld laparoscopic instruments for the acquisition and improvement of basic laparoscopic suturing skills. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was carried out on 15 physicians grouped by previous experience. They were evaluated on the completion of basic surgical laparoscopic skills. First, they used traditional non-articulating laparoscopic instruments, and later they used robotic-driven articulating instruments. RESULTS: Significant time reduction was observed in the group of inexperienced physicians when they used robotic-driven instruments for needle loading and placing stitches. An 8.3% time reduction was observed in the same group when considering total times for the completion of all exercises. No significant differences for the experienced groups were found. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-driven handheld instruments could help inexperienced physicians acquire basic skills in laparoscopic techniques. No benefit has been observed when previous laparoscopic experience is present.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of robotic-driven handheld laparoscopic instruments for the acquisition and improvement of basic laparoscopic suturing skills. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was carried out on 15 physicians grouped by previous experience. They were evaluated on the completion of basic surgical laparoscopic skills. First, they used traditional non-articulating laparoscopic instruments, and later they used robotic-driven articulating instruments. RESULTS: Significant time reduction was observed in the group of inexperienced physicians when they used robotic-driven instruments for needle loading and placing stitches. An 8.3% time reduction was observed in the same group when considering total times for the completion of all exercises. No significant differences for the experienced groups were found. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-driven handheld instruments could help inexperienced physicians acquire basic skills in laparoscopic techniques. No benefit has been observed when previous laparoscopic experience is present.