This randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of two laparoscopic training modalities - Classic Box Trainers and the LAPARO Analytic - in teaching fundamental surgical skills for laparoscopic appendicectomy. A total of 60 first-year medical residents (interns) from Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (CHUSJ) will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of two training groups. One group will undergo a 3-hour in-person training session using Classic Box Trainers, while the other group will train using the LAPARO Analytic simulator, both under the supervision of experienced General Surgery tutors. The study aims to evaluate technical skill acquisition, retention, and participant satisfaction. Outcomes will be assessed through objective performance metrics and participant feedback, contributing to the optimization of laparoscopic education methods.
First-year medical residents (internos de ano comum) currently enrolled at Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (CHUSJ).
Voluntary participation confirmed by completion of an informed consent and online registration form.
Availability to participate in both the initial training session and the follow-up cadaveric assessment 15 days later.
Any prior exposure to laparoscopic surgical techniques formal training.
Engagement in any laparoscopic training activities between the recruitment date and the practical evaluation session.
Inability to attend either the scheduled training or the cadaveric assessment session.
Parallel
Laparoscopic Training using the LAPARO Analytic simulator
Other interventionParticipants in the experimental group will undergo a 3-hour in-person laparoscopic training session using the LAPARO Analytic simulator. The session will be supervised by an experienced General Surgery tutor and will include real-time performance analytics to guide skill acquisition relevant to laparoscopic appendicectomy.
Laparoscopic Training using a classic Box Trainer
Other interventionParticipants will receive a single, 3-hour in-person laparoscopic training session using a Classic Box Trainer. Training will be supervised by an experienced General Surgery tutor and focused on key technical skills required for laparoscopic appendicectomy.
Technical Performance Score on Laparoscopic Appendicectomy Skills using de GOALS scale
Participants' technical skills will be assessed 15 days after training during a laparoscopic appendicectomy performed on a human cadaver. Procedures will be video-recorded and evaluated by blinded expert raters using the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) scale. Domains assessed include depth perception, bimanual dexterity, efficiency, tissue handling, and autonomy. Scores will be compared between the two groups.
Procedure Completion Time
The duration of the laparoscopic appendicectomy performed on the cadaver model will be measured in minutes and seconds. The total time required to complete the surgical task will be compared between groups to assess efficiency.
Self-Perceived Competence in Laparoscopic Skills
Participants will complete a post-training Likert-scale questionnaire assessing their self-perceived competence in performing key laparoscopic tasks: identifying the appendix, lysis of adhesions, vascular control, stump division, and safe extraction. Responses range from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).
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