Novices Become Experts with the Help of Laparoscopic Surgical Simulators
Advancements in technology are everywhere – from smartphones to personal computers, weather prediction maps to traffic satellites – but nowhere is the application of technology more obvious than in the medical field. This is especially true of surgery. As far back as twenty-five years ago, the surgical world was taken by storm by a new kind of practice: minimally invasive, or laparoscopic, surgery. During a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon makes several small but deliberate incisions on the patient's body, and then inserts special tools, including a scalpel, graspers, scissors, and clip applier, as well as a tiny camera. But because laparoscopic practice is vastly different from traditional surgery, it's essential that even seasoned surgeons are masters of the trade before they ever take on their first patient. Laparoscopic surgical simulators are therefore essential for successful skill acquisition.
With the use of laparoscopic surgical simulators, surgeons can practice and hone their abilities in a safe environment. Hand-eye coordination, as well as a specific range of hand and wrist movements are necessary for a successful laparoscopic surgery. Simulations therefore allow a surgeon to get used to working within the altered field of vision presented by the laparoscopic camera, and adjusting their hands and wrists in an exacting, careful manner.
Laparoscopic surgical simulators also allow surgeons to practice on specific treatments. Since its introduction, laparoscopic surgical procedureshave been developed for a wide variety of ailments, including gallbladder removal, colorectal surgery, abdominal surgery, OBGYN surgery – even spinal surgery. And no surgical procedure is the same. As such, it's necessary for surgeons to practice each laparoscopic treatment before handling an actual patient. Highly advanced laparoscopic simulators offer courses on different procedures. Surgeons administer the surgery within a controlled, virtual environment that looks like the real thing. A surgeon with significant training time under his or her belt will then be able to work well under the pressure of a real surgical event – and even anticipate problems before they occur.
And when laparoscopic surgical simulators are used at different institutions or medical centers, surgeons are able to have a standardized training experience. They can even compare scores and compete for the highest level of laparoscopic competency! All of this leads to the common goal of positive patient outcomes – which is great news for patients.
Visit Simulationiq for more information on enhancing your program with laparoscopic surgical simulators.
