Comparative Effectiveness of Physical and Virtual Reality Simulators in Robotic Surgical Training.

Introduction

Robotic surgery training requires effective simulation methods to ensure proficiency. Virtual reality (VR) simulators and physical models offer different approaches.

Methods

A study was conducted with 30 surgical residents, divided into two groups: one trained on a high-fidelity physical simulator and the other on a VR simulator. Both groups completed standardized exercises, followed by an assessment of their surgical performance using the da Vinci Surgical System simulator. Performance scores were analyzed using statistical methods, including t-tests and multiple linear regression.

Results

Residents trained on the physical simulator obtained higher scores compared with those using VR simulation, with a statistically significant difference in overall scores (76 ± 17 vs. 34 ± 29; p < 0.001). The use of the physical simulator was the most influential factor in improved performance, independent of the year of residency.

Conclusions

High-fidelity physical simulators enhance robotic surgical training compared to VR simulators.