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Evidence suggests that technical skill derived from surgical simulators improves performance in the OR. In my own work, I’ve seen that more experience translates to better performance in lab studies of computer-aided surgical techniques. Depending on the program, some surgical residents may not pick up a scalpel until their fourth year of residency. That may not be surprising given that the cost of one hour of OR time in a Canadian hospital is about $10 000 CDN; hence, increasing OR time for surgical residents can be a costly endeavor.
Technology has really reached the point that we can develop realistic simulators. Super-fast graphics cards let us manipulate finite element models with greater speed and render anatomical models with shocking realism. We have good ideas on methods of sensory input (virtual reality glasses and haptic devices toward immersive environments), modelling (soft tissues, tool deflection), and realistic rendering. There’s even open-source software for surgical simulation. We have all the pieces, we just need someone to sew it together.
There are surgical simulation systems out there, for example:
- Immersion Medical, Simulab, Simendo (and others) have systems for arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and endoscopy. Some have specialized tools with haptic feedback.
- NeuroTouch is a neurosurgery simulator being developed by a group of researchers at National Research Council Canada. The simulator has haptic feedback so the surgeon can feel resistance of brain tumours.
But why are commercial surgical simulators not more widespread? Some suggest that adoption of surgical simulators is impaired by policy and culture. Perhaps if we can integrate computer-assisted surgery systems into more teaching hospitals, future attending surgeons will see the benefit of technology and training programs will embrace surgical simulators.
Sources:
Virtual Reality Training Improves Operating Room Performance [Annals of Surgery]
Medical Simulation: The New Tool For Training And Skill Assessment [Perspectives in Biology and Medicine]
I am very interrested in simulation surgery
I am an orthopedic surgeon who is really interrested to implement the technology in improving surgical skills of every body
Thank you for commenting. I think that technology is finally to the point that we can do a really good job at providing real-life simulation environments for surgeons and residents.