Konzeption und Evaluation eines Endoskopie-Simulators für die Urologie

UROTrainer – an endoscopic simulator for virtual diagnosis and
therapy in the bladder BACKGROUND With respect to stimulate
training operation procedures an European project named MISSIMU
(Minimally Invasive Surgery SIMUlator) set an objective to develop
a prototype of a cystoscopic virtual simulator based on real images
data. METHODS On the base of 350 video documented cystoscopies with
its diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, the observations of
these procedures and in discussion with the operating surgeons two
major training priorities were extracted to implement into a
simulator. Together with physical and geometric parameters selected
images data formed the database for the development of the virtual
reality bladder simulator. The first prototype was evaluated by 20
urologists of the university clinic Grosshadern, Munich by a
questionnaire. RESULTS Two major training priorities were realized.
The first step included the inspection of the whole bladder wall
and second the most utilized intervention the resection with the
resection loop. With every training session various tumours on
different parts of the bladder wall are posed, so that every new
training session creates a new virtual patient. For intervention
the user can choose either a resection loop or a laser fibre. The
training feedback includes the percentage of the inspected bladder
surface, of the resected tumour mass and the time needed for
cystoscopy. As a result of this evaluation can be stated, that the
basic procedures of cystoscopy can be well trained on a very
realistic operation background. CONCLUSIONS The simulator is a
suitable link between the surgical theory and the treatment on
patients. This tool can increase the learning curve of residents
and students on a virtual simulator without any risk for patients.