Robotic Assisted Surgery in Endoscopy: The Problem of Learning Curve

This chapter focuses on the utilization of laparoscopic trainers and surgical virtual simulators, who provide deliberate practice, training, and assessment in a safe environment. Simulators range from simple task trainers to high-fidelity mock operating rooms, from organic to inorganic models. With the advent of laparoscopic surgery technical challenges raised, as altered depth perception, reduced tactile feedback, and the fulcrum effect. Thus surgical operations required a sophisticated level of practice, more than in open surgery. The laparoscopic box trainer was an early spark in the proliferation of depth and breadth in surgical skills training, now driven by forces including work-hour restrictions, patient safety concerns, financial cost of training, and emerging technology. Another help in surgical skills come from virtual reality, a computer simulation that enables users to perform operations on the system and shows effects in real time. Computerized simulators allow instant score reporting, feedback, and automated tutoring. Instruments’ expensive cost is a major downside, but they really help young and skilled surgeons to trainee their daily work.