Assessment of Minimally Invasive Suturing Skills: Is Instrument Tracking an Accurate Prediction?

• DOI: 10.1089/lap.2022.0313
• Publication Date: 2022-07-28T14:20:15Z
• Authors: Daan J. Verhoeven; Vera Hillemans; Erik Leijte; Bas H. Verhoeven; Sanne M.B.I. Botden
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Radboudumc 18: Healthcare improvement science Surgery; Suture Techniques; Radboudumc 10: Reconstructive and regenerative medicine Surgery; Radboud University Medical Center; Laparoscopy; Clinical Competence

Introduction: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) suturing demands advanced surgical skills. Therefore, it is important these skills are adequately trained and assessed. Assessment feedback can consist of judgments scores expert observers or objective parameters using instrument tracking. The aim this study was to determine what extent correspond assessment. Methods: Participants performed an intracorporeal task on the EoSim simulator repeatedly (maximum 20 repetitions) during training. best discriminating parameters, which previously shown construct validation, were combined into a composite score, regression analysis. All videos blinded assessed by 2 independent reviewers validated laparoscopic competency assessment tool (LS-CAT). These compared with score. Results: A 100 16 trainees, separate points their learning curve, 8 experts used. "time" "distance" statistically significantly correlated all LS-CAT domains. score (calculated from "distance") showed improvement between first last knot (57% versus 94%, P < .001). Also improved (28 17, However, correlation weak (R: 0.351), accuracy 55/100 when pooling outcomes based inadequate, adequate, good performance. Conclusion: Instrument tracking (using Surgtrac) could give indication skill level, however, missed elements, essential for reliable remains superior level in MIS