Video Tutorials Increase Precision in Minimally Invasive Surgery Training - A Prospective Randomised Trial and Follow-up Study

BACKGROUND: Simulation-based practice has become increasingly important in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) training. Nevertheless, personnel resources for demonstration and mentoring simulation-based practice are limited. Video tutorials could be a useful tool to overcome this dilemma. However, the effect of video tutorials on MIS training and improvement of MIS skills is unclear.

METHODS: A prospective randomised trial (n = 24 MIS novices) was conducted. A video-trainer with three different tasks (#1 - 3) was used for standardised goal-directed MIS training. The subjects were randomised to two groups with standard instructional videos (group A, n = 12) versus comprehensive video tutorials for each training task watched at specific times of repetition (group B, n = 12). Performance was analysed using the MISTELS score. At the beginning and following the curriculum, an MIS cholecystectomy (CHE) was performed on a porcine organ model and analysed using the GOALS score. After 18 weeks, participants performed 10 repetitions of tasks #1 - 3 for follow-up analysis.

RESULTS: More participants completed tasks #1 and #2 in group B (83.3 and 75%) than in group A (66.7 and 50%, ns). For task #2, there was a significant improvement in precision in group B (p < 0.001). For the entire cohort, the GOALS-Scores were 12.9 before and 18.9 after the curriculum (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between groups. Upon follow-up, 84.2% (task#1), 26.3% (task#2) and 100% (task#3) of MIS novices were able to reach the defined goals (A vs. B ns). There was a trend for a better MISTELS score in group B upon follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: Standardised comprehensive video tutorials watched frequently throughout practice can significantly improve precision in MIC training. This aspect should be incorporated in MIS training.