Objective: We aimed to develop a standardized tool to evaluate laparoscopic surgical skill using box trainer
Methods: Fourteen subjects (1 first-year resident, 2 second year residents, 5 third-year residents, 6 senior residents) participated and were required to do a task. The task was to do a laparoscopic intra-corporeal sutures (grasp a needle, suture, 3 knot ties and cut) using a box trainer. Before doing the task, subjects watched a demo video performed by a skilled surgeon. Subjects were instructed to exercise by his or herself and submit their own videos. The videos were scored by reviewers blinded to subjects identity. Scores (minimum 0, maximum 300, higher score is better) were calculated via predetermined rules regarding speed and accuracy of technique. Scores were transformed to normalized scores using logarithm.
Results: Scores ranged between 0 and 165. Median score was 0 and interquartile range was 0 to 55. Normalized scores ranged 0 to 2.2. Subjects with the higher level of training tended to have higher normalized scores (first-year resident = 0, second year residents = 0, third-year residents = 0.3, senior residents = 1.3).
Conclusion: We developed a standardized tool to objectively measure the laparoscopic surgical skill through box trainer. Future studies for validation will be needed.