Optimizing skill acquisition: the role of self-assessment during a continuous training program for laparoscopic suturing.

Background: Mastering laparoscopic suturing, a critical aspect of minimally invasive surgery, remains a challenge. Self-assessment and 'reflection before practice' may enhance the learning curve of laparoscopic suturing. This study investigates the optimal frequency of self-assessment and reflection before practice in laparoscopic suturing training.

Concurrent validity of objective assessment by finger tracking for open surgical suturing training.

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the parameters 'time' and 'distance', measured by SurgTrac, correlate with the assessment of the same skills by blinded experts.

Methods: Basic open suturing tasks were executed by medical students. SurgTrac software measured objective parameters by tracking fingers.

Alcohol's impact on fine motor skills: Insights from minimally invasive surgical simulation.

Background: Alcohol misuse among medical professionals poses a significant concern, and there is a lack of clarity in (inter)national guidelines regarding alcohol use during work. Moreover, there exists an insufficient body of research on the specific impact of alcohol on fine motor skills within the medical sector, specifically surgery. This study aims to investigate the impact of alcohol on fine motor skills in a minimally invasive surgical setting.

Experts in Minimally Invasive Surgery are Outperformed by Trained Novices on Suturing Skills.

Introduction: Learning minimally invasive suturing can be challenging, creating a barrier to further implementation, especially with the development of easier methods. Nevertheless, mastering intracorporeal knot tying is crucial when alternative techniques prove inadequate. Therefore, the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) suturing skills of MIS experts are compared with a group of novices during their learning curve on a simulator.

Assessment of Minimally Invasive Suturing Skills: Is Instrument Tracking an Accurate Prediction?

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) suturing demands advanced surgical skills. Therefore, it is important these skills are adequately trained and assessed. Assessment and feedback can consist of judgments and scores of expert observers or objective parameters using instrument tracking.