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Quantification of process measures in laparoscopic suturing

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Abstract

Background

Process measures describing the generation of movement are useful for evaluation and performance feedback purposes. This study aimed to identify process measures that differ between novice and advanced laparoscopists while completing a suturing skill.

Methods

A group of junior and a group of senior residents and fellows in surgery (n = 6) placed 10 laparoscopic sutures in a synthetic model. Process measures were quantified using an opto-electric motion/force sensor assembly that recorded: instrument rotation, applied forces, time, and time delays between force application and instrument rotation.

Results

Advanced trainees showed increased instrument rotation, higher peak applied force, and faster performance compared to novices (all p < .01). However, over trials, only novices showed adaptations for instrument rotation and total time (interactions at p < .01) with no adaptation for the force application. The difference between the moments of force application and instrument rotation was not sensitive to participant training.

Conclusions

Movement process measures can enhance our understanding of early adaptation processes and how such factors might be used as feedback to facilitate skill acquisition.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by separate grants from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council awarded to A.D. and H.C.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Surgical Skills Centre at Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Room 250, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 1X5

    A. Dubrowski & R. Brydges

  2. Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1

    J. C. Larmer, J. K. Leming & H. Carnahan

  3. Department of Surgery, University of Manitoba, GF547-820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3A 1R9

    J. Park

Authors
  1. A. Dubrowski
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  2. J. C. Larmer
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  3. J. K. Leming
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  4. R. Brydges
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  5. H. Carnahan
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  6. J. Park
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to A. Dubrowski.

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Dubrowski, A., Larmer, J.C., Leming, J.K. et al. Quantification of process measures in laparoscopic suturing. Surg Endosc 20, 1862–1866 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-005-0759-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-005-0759-4

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