Task completion time: Objective tool for assessment of technical skills in laparoscopic simulator for urology trainees

CONTEXT: Laparoscopic surgical simulation is a valuable training tool for urology trainees. AIMS: We assessed the validity of task completion time (TCT) as an objective tool for practicing and acquiring technical skills in a simulated laparoscopy environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen participants comprising postgraduate urology trainees from first to third year (n = 12), urology fellow (n = 1) and consultants (n = 2) underwent basic laparoscopic training on the "Beetle Universal" endotrainer. Training included 10 attempts each comprising four tasks; placing a ball in a cup (Task 1), threading five rings (Task 2), threading five balls (Task 3) and tying a suture (Task 4). Individual task (IT) time was measured. The TCT was defined as sum of IT time for a single attempt. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was done by Pearson's correlation coefficient and student's t test using SPSS software 10. RESULTS: The average TCT for the first attempt to complete the four tasks by the participants was 76.5 +/- 13.0 min (range 38 to 92.5, skew -1.8), compared to the 10(th) attempt 33 +/- 4.23 min (range 25 to 38.5, skew -0.5). There was statistically significant correlation (r = mean -0.91, range -0.97 to -.83, skew -0.5), (P = < 0.001) between the number of attempts and decreasing TCT for all participants. Correlation decreased when TCT between the sixth to 10(th) attempt was compared (r = mean -0.67, range -0.99 to 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: The TCT is practical, easy and a valid objective tool for assessing acquired technical skills of urology trainees in a laparoscopic simulated environment.