Validation of a training system for laparoscopic longitudinal suturing in lesion

BackgroundA training system that allows the trainee to perform laparoscopic suturing in a realistic environment and measures the force applied to the tissue would be invaluable. This study aims to establish the construct and content validity of the training system we developed for the objective assessment of surgeons' skills.MethodsTen novices, 6 residents, and 6 experts performed the suturing and knot-tying task using the training system. Ten force-related parameters were used to analyse the system's construct validity. Experts were invited to evaluate the content validity with questionnaires.ResultsEight parameters showed significant differences between the three groups. The construct validity results demonstrated that the system could distinguish the tissue handling ability of operators. The experts agreed that the system had excellent content validity with an average score of 4.71/5.ConclusionsThe training system is likely valid for surgical training. It can realistically simulate surgical scenarios and evaluate the tissue handling ability of trainees.

Automated summary

This study aims to establish a training system for the objective assessment of surgeons' skills. The results showed that the system could distinguish the tissue handling ability of operators based on force-related parameters. In addition, the experts agreed that the system had excellent content validity.