Virtual reality simulator for training urologists on transurethral prostatectomy
10.3760/cma.j.issn.0366-6999.20121674
- Author:
He ZHU
1
;
Yi ZHANG
;
Jin-Shun LIU
;
Gang WANG
;
Cheng-Fan YU
;
Yan-Qun NA
Author Information
1. Wu Jieping Urology Center
- Keywords:
prostate;
transurethral prostatectomy;
computer simulation;
continuing medical education;
surgical skill training
- From:
Chinese Medical Journal
2013;(7):1220-1223
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Background A virtual reality simulator provides a novel training model for improving surgical skills in a variety of fields.They can simulate a variety of surgical scenarios to improve the overall skills required for endoscopic operations,and also record the operative process of trainees in real-time and allow for objective evaluation.At present,some simulators for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) are available.The utility of virtual reality simulators in training of transurethral prostatectomy was investigated.Methods Thirty-eight urologists were randomly selected to take part in a simulation based training of TURP using the TURPSimTM system.Pre and post-training global rate scale (GRS) scores and objective parameters recorded by the simulator were assessed.Then,questionnaires were filled out.Results Compared with baseline levels,the GRS scores of trainees increased (18.0±4.0 vs.12.4±4.2,P＜0.001),while the rate of capsule resection (26.3％±0.6％ vs.21.2％±0.4％,P ＜0.001),amount of blood loss ((125.8±86.3) ml vs.(83.7±41.6) ml,P ＜0.001),external sphincter injury (3.6±2.9 vs.2.0±2.0,P ＜0.001)decreased significantly after training.Most trainees were satisfied with the simulator based training and believed that the simulator accurately mimicked actual surgical procedures and could help improve their surgical skills.Conclusions As a new method of training on transurethral prostatectomy skills,training of TURP using a virtual simulator can help urologists improve their surgical skills and safety.Therefore,the application of the TURPSimTM system in education and training of urologic surgery is warranted.
