The effectiveness of laparoscopic training box on learning curve in gynecology residents

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopy poses a significant role in routine surgical operations recently. However, it needs a surgical skill and education programs to be applied safely and effectively. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of laparoscopic training box practice on the learning curve in gynecology residents.
METHODS: The study was conducted over for 6 months at our hospital laparoscopic simulation room. Twenty gynecology residents; aged range of 26 to 35 years, of either sex, who had not to have senior experience on laparoscopy were attended the education program. Each participant was given a list of tasks to perform during the six months of a training program. Each resident were allowed to work on a training box every two days of the week for six months. The baseline and sixth months evaluation scores were recorded. The recommended tasks were as: task 1 (loops and wire), task 2 (pea on a peg), task 3 (post and sleeve), task 4 (wire chaser), task 5 (holding the needle), and task 6(suturing and knot tying). Each task’s time was measured from start to completion and the time was recorded at baseline and the sixth months of the training program.
RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 28.3±1.8 and 12 were female and 8 were male residents. The mean scores of time taken to perform tasks at baseline evaluation were as follows: task 1 (32±8, second), task 2(34±6, second), task 3(50±10, second), task 4(34±5, second), task 5(60±12, second), task 6(300±100, second). The mean scores of time taken to perform tasks at 6th month of the evaluation were as follows: task 1 (22±4, second), task 2 (18±6, second), task 3 (34±8, second), task 4 (22±4, second), task 5 (40±8, second), task 6(250±50, second). When analyzing the improvement in surgical skill about concerning the time of task completion. There was a statistically significant difference between the baseline and at the 6th months of the training program (p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The present study confirmed that laparoscopic training box improved the surgical skills of gynecology residents and was found to be effective for improvement of learning curve in the education of minimally invasive surgery practice.