Laparoscopic simulator performance and learning curves under different optical angles

Abstract

Background: Deviated optical angles create visuospatial and psychomotor challenges during laparoscopic procedures, resulting in delayed operative time and possibly adverse events. If it is possible to train the skills needed to work under these deviated optical angles, this could benefit procedure time and patient safety. This study investigates the influence of the optical angle on development of basic laparoscopic surgical skills. Methods: A total of 58 medical students performed a four-session laparoscopic training course on a Virtual Reality Simulator. During each session, they performed an identical task under optical angles of 0°, 45° and − 45°. Performance parameters of task duration and damage were compared between the optical angles to investigate the effect of optical angle on performance development. The 4th session performance was compared to the 2nd session performance for each angle to determine improvement. Results: Participants performed the task significantly faster under the 0° optical angle compared to the plus and minus 45° optical angles during the last three sessions (z between − 2.95 and − 2.09, p