Effect of latency training on surgical performance in simulated robotic telesurgery procedures

BACKGROUND: The effect of telesurgical training was evaluated at two latency levels. METHODS: Eleven subjects were randomly assigned to two delay groups (400 and 600 ms). Each group trained with latency on a simple task of dV-Trainer® and performed a difficult task before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the training. The follow-up was conducted 1 week after the training. RESULTS: The difficulty decreased gradually during training for both groups, while the task completion time and the instrument motion improved only in the 600 ms group. Both groups made progress from pre- to post-test, but statistical significance was not achieved. In the follow-up, subjects maintained their highest level achieved during training. CONCLUSIONS: Latency training is effective and this effect lasts at least 1 week. Latency training on a simple task may improve results in complex procedures. However, attention should be paid to avoiding carelessness due to confidence from training. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.