Endosuture trainer box simulator as a tool for training and teaching in bariatric laparoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND: Video surgery requires acquisition of psychomotor skills that are different from those required for open surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the EndoSuture Trainer Box Simulator (ESTBS), a new bariatric laparoscopic skills simulator, as a tool for surgical education, comparing it with a standard laparoscopic trainer (SLT). METHODS: A randomized prospective crossover study was designed to compare ESTBS versus SLT as a tool for training bariatric laparoscopic skills. Participants were assigned to perform a task simulating Nissen fundoplication operation. All subjects evaluated the simulators concerning to their performance on simulating laparoscopic procedures by the use of a questionnaire comparing: triangulation, resistance and resilience, spatial perception (stereotaxy), ergonomics and positioning, inverted movements, visibility, design, technical and technological resources for training and education. The overall score was defined as the median value obtained. A total of 37 participants were enrolled in the study, including 29 experienced surgeons (78.37%) and 08 surgical residents (21.63%). RESULTS: A superior performance was observed with ESTBS as compared to SLT upon 7 of the 10 items evaluated in the questionnaire. Additionally, the overall score of ESTBS (median of 4, very good) was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than that of SLT (median of 3, good). For the items, triangulation, resistance and resilience, ergonomics, design, training, technology and teaching, the evaluation for the ESTBS was very good and excellent, which was significantly higher than obtained by SLT. Also, ESTBS was cheaper. CONCLUSIONS: The ESTBS was shown to present excellent technical and technological performances and appears to constitute a useful cost-effective promising instrument for teaching and training bariatric surgical laparoscopic skills.