Impact of laparoscopy simulator training on the technical skills of future surgeons in the operating room: a prospective study

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of laparoscopy simulators remains controversial. METHODS: This was a comparative prospective study that evaluated the impact of simulator training on technical competence during a real surgical procedure. Residents were divided into 3 groups: the Mcgill Inanimate System for Training and Evaluation of Laparoscopic Skills (MISTELS) group, training on a simple simulator; LAP Mentor group, training on a virtual simulator; and control group. An initial evaluation was made by a validated score during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Each resident was then trained for 1 month. A second evaluation was then performed. RESULTS: Before/after scores were significantly improved in the MISTELS (P = .042) and LAP Mentor (P = .026) groups. It was not the case in the control group. There was a better progression in the MISTELS (P = .026) and LAP Mentor (P = .007) groups than in the control group. There was no significant difference between the MISTELS and LAP Mentor groups. CONCLUSIONS: Simulator training provides a more rapid acquisition of competence in surgical technique. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.