Objective To evaluate the training benefits of computer simulation compared with conventional training modalities for minimally invasive surgery. Methods Seventeen junior surgeons and twenty - four medical students were randomized into four groups . They practiced with either a conventional laparo-scopic training model or a Virtual reality(VR) simulator for one hour. After the practice session, each participant performed running sutures with a conventional laparoscopic training model for half an hour. The number of completed stitches and the average accuracy of each stitch were measured to assess the skills acquired in practice. Results Regardless of the kind of training, junior surgeons performed better than medical students, especially in suture speed. Both medical students and junior surgeons trained with VR tended to have better scores than those who underwent training with a conventional laparoscopic training model. Conclusion Virtual reality training could make a major contribution to training in laparoscopic surgery but further studies will be needed to confirm these preliminary findings.