Immersive reality for robotic surgical training: a pilot study using 3D visors for immersive view of the operating field

Abstract Purpose: Immersive intracorporeal vision is a key feature of robotic surgery, limited today to only one trainee per operation when the dual console is available. We developed a tool that provides a virtually unlimited number of surgeons with the operator’s view, with the possibility to also watch the surgeon’s hand movements and the operating table. In this study we aim to assess trainees’ reaction to this innovative training method. Methods: Medical students and surgery residents were offered an immersive experience with head mounted devices showing a didactic video in a 360° virtual space with 3D intracorporeal robotic vision, the surgeon’s hand movements and the surrounding operating room during a robotic rectal resection with total mesorectal excision. Subsequently, participants were asked to fill a questionnaire evaluating the user’s reaction to the new training tool including the validated System Usability Scale (SUS) and Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), and non-validated questions. Results: 102 participants took part to the training and the assessment questionnaires, 94 (92%) medical students and 8 (8%) surgery residents. Users’ feedback was overall positive. In the engagement and intention to use items almost 90% of the respondents voted for a complete or near complete agreement. The median SUS score was 80 IQR 70-90. The median SSQ score was 44.88 IQR 22.44-82.28. Conclusions: Exposing trainees to immersive robotic vision of the surgical field had a positive reaction from our audience. Our initial results encourage to further implement this technology in surgical training of medical students and residents to prove its efficacy.