Abstract
Purpose:
To evaluate whether the use of the physical surgical simulator may benefit the development of laparoscopic skills.
Methods:
Ten medical students were divided into two groups: the first one performed ten weekly training sessions with a physical surgical simulator - ETX A2 LAP and, afterwards, one laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a porcine model, while the second group performed only a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Both groups were compared regarding bleeding, total surgical time, time to perform each surgical step and qualitative parameters, based on a previously validated tool.
Results:
There was no difference in any of the evaluated parameters.
Conclusion:
We did not find any evidence of benefit in the use of the physical simulator for surgical performance in medical students.
Key words:
Laparoscopy; Training; Education, Medical
