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. 2012 Sep;25(3):156-65.
doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1322553.

Simulation in surgical education

Sandra L de Montbrun  1 , Helen Macrae
Affiliations

Simulation in surgical education

Sandra L de Montbrun et al. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012 Sep.

Abstract

The pedagogical approach to surgical training has changed significantly over the past few decades. No longer are surgical skills solely acquired through a traditional apprenticeship model of training. The acquisition of many technical and nontechnical skills is moving from the operating room to the surgical skills laboratory through the use of simulation. Many platforms exist for the learning and assessment of surgical skills. In this article, the authors provide a broad overview of some of the currently available surgical simulation modalities including bench-top models, laparoscopic simulators, simulation for new surgical technologies, and simulation for nontechnical surgical skills.

Keywords: bench models; nontechnical skills; simulation; surgical education; virtual reality.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Bench-top model demonstrating a side-to-side stapled anastomosis using porcine small bowel.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Basic laparoscopic skills tasks including peg transfer, intracorporeal suturing, placement of a ligating loop, and pattern cutting.
Figure 3
Figure 3
LAP Mentor™ virtual reality platform. Image reproduced with permission from Simbionix Inc. (Cleveland, OH).
Figure 4
Figure 4
A screenshot from the laparoscopic appendectomy module from the LapSim® virtual reality platform. Image reproduced with permission from Surgical Science Inc. (Minneapolis, MN).
Figure 5
Figure 5
The RoSS™ robotic simulator platform. Image reproduced with permission from Simulated Surgical Systems, LLC (Williamsville, NY).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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