Application of virtual-reality simulator for the training of ureteroscopy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo assess the validity of virtual-reality simulator UroMentorTM in skill training of ureteroscopy. MethodsThirty urologists were included and divided into groups A (n =18) and B (n =12 ) based on former ureteroscopy experience ( ≥ 20 or ＜ 20).Participants were assessed on their ability to perform cystoscopy,gnidewire insertion,semirigid ureteroscope advancement and basket extraction of a distal ureteric stone on the simulator.A blinded examiner assessed the subjects' performance using global rating scale (GRS).In addition,computer-generated parameters including time to complete the task,endoscope and instrument trauma,and the number of attempts to insert a guidewire were recorded as pretest.After 2 days of simulator training,they were retested with the same task. ResultsAll participants had reduced time to completion (333 ± 32 s & 228 ± 18 s,P =0.001 ) and improved GRS (24.4 ± 2.1 & 28.1 ±1.2,P =0.010).Differences were significant between the two groups in the time to completion (before 405 ±40 s & 262 ±22 s,P =0.014; after 276 ± 12 s & 179 ±9 s,P =0.000),and GRS (before 19.6 ±2.5 & 29.2 ± 1.3,P =0.009 ; after 25.0 ± 1.1 & 31.2 ± 0.7,P =0.002).Previous ureteroscopy experience was correlated to GRS (before r=0.705,after r=0.756). ConclusionThe UroMentor virtual-reality simulator is an appropriate and useful tool in training and assessing the skills of ureteroscopy.