Technology and medicine: The evolution of virtual reality simulation in laparoscopic training

Abstract

Background: Virtual reality (VR) simulation for laparoscopic surgical training is now a reality. There is increasing evidence that the use of VR simulation is a powerful adjunct to traditional surgical apprenticeship in the current climate of reduced time spent in training.

Aim: This article reviews the early evidence supporting the case for VR simulation training in laparoscopic surgery.

Methods: A standard literature search was conducted using the following phrases – ‘virtual reality in surgical training’, ‘surgical training’, ‘laparoscopic training’ and ‘simulation in surgical training’.

Results and conclusion: This article outlines the early evidence which supports the use of VR simulation in laparoscopic training and the need for further research into this new training technique.

Notes

1. An example image of the LapSim® simulator (published with kind permission of Surgical Science Sweden AB) is available at www.medicalteacher.org