Learning curve for proficiency with a robotic microsurgical system: an In vitro study of young medical professionals

To evaluate the learning curve and accuracy of microsurgical operation steps achieved by young medical professionals using a microsurgery robotic simulator. The NASA-TLX score was used to assess the workload in the simulation of robotic operation steps for surgical beginners. Twenty-three students of dental medicine performed four exercises over 3 consecutive weeks. The exercises consisted of grasping and placing models, grasping and placing a needle, and performing a surgical knot. There was significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the operation time from the first to the second and third measurement points for all exercises. Furthermore, the range of instrument movement became more efficient as the learning curve progressed. The incidence of complications such as instrument collisions improved with each trial. The workload was reduced significantly by the training sessions. Our study showed that the young medical professionals had a significant learning curve on a microsurgery robotic simulator. The simulator provided a suitable opportunity for students and young professionals to prepare for robotic microsurgery and pique their interest in the field.