A Randomized Cross-over Trial of Comparison Between Robotic and Laparoscopic Suturing for Gastric Defect by Novices

Da Vinci Robot Compared to Laparoscopic Suturing for Closure of Gastric Incision Among Novice: a Randomized Cross Over Trial

To compare the performance of surgical suturing using Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System and conventional Laparoscopic surgical suturing among novice

Background Da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System (DVRSS) has been widely applied to perform complex minimally invasive surgical procedures across different specialties. This study aimed to investigate the impact of DVRSS on surgical proficiencies among inexperience novice surgeons and compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Methods Twenty medical students (n=20) without surgical experience were enrolled. After a constructive training for basic surgical techniques, participants were randomly allocated into DVR or laparoscopy group. Participants were asked to close five cases (also named five tasks) of a 2cm long incision on pig stomach by using DVR or laparoscopy. Surgical time, successful closure rate and pneumatic bursting pressure of gastric incision withstanding were recorded. In addition, participant performance and workload were quantified by using performance score, scales of Global Rating Scale Assessment (GSA) and NASA-Task Load Index (NASATLI).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Medical Students with no prior surgical experience

Exclusion Criteria:

• Surgeons
• Age < 16 or > 60
• Disability and not able to control the Da Vinci Robot through the console