The Journal of surgical research | 2021
Effect of Smartphone Laparoscopy Simulator on Laparoscopic Performance in Medical Students.
Abstract
BACKGROUND\nThis study aims to investigate if a smartphone laparoscopy simulator, SimuSurg, is effective in improving laparoscopic skills in surgically inexperienced medical students.\n\n\nMETHODS\nThis is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial featuring 30 preclinical medical students without prior laparoscopic simulation experience. The students were randomly allocated to a control or intervention group (n\xa0=\xa015 each) and 28 students completed the study (n\xa0=\xa014 each). All participants performed three validated exercises in a laparoscopic box trainer and repeated them after 1\xa0week. The intervention group spent the intervening time completing all levels in SimuSurg, whereas the control group refrained from any laparoscopic activity. A prestudy questionnaire was used to collect data on age, sex, handedness, and experience with gaming.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe total score improved significantly between the two testing sessions for the intervention group (n\xa0=\xa014, median change [MC]\xa0=\xa0182.00, P\xa0=\xa00.009) but not for the control group (n\xa0=\xa014, MC\xa0=\xa0161.50, P\xa0=\xa00.08). Scores for the nondominant hand improved significantly in the intervention group (MC\xa0=\xa066.50, P\xa0=\xa00.008) but not in the control group (MC\xa0=\xa09.00, P\xa0=\xa00.98). There was no improvement in dominant hand scores for either the intervention (MC\xa0=\xa062.00, P\xa0=\xa00.08) or control (MC\xa0=\xa026.00, P\xa0=\xa00.32) groups. Interest in surgery (β\xa0=\xa0-234.30, P\xa0=\xa00.02) was positively correlated with the baseline total scores; however, age, sex, and experience with video games were not.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nThe results suggest that smartphone applications improve laparoscopic skills in medical students, especially for the nondominant hand. These simulators may be a cost-effective and accessible adjunct for laparoscopic training among surgically inexperienced students and clinicians.