Assessing the Use of a Training Model Using Immersive Virtual Reality for Sacrospinous Fixation Surgery: A Pilot Study.

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: Sacrospinous fixation (SSF) is a surgical complex procedure for uterovaginal prolapse that may result in pudendal plexus and vascular damage. The objective was to evaluate a training model using virtual reality to perform SSF.

Methods: We conducted a prospective single-center pilot study in the university's academic innovation department in November 2023. We recruited 20 participants, 10 gynecology resident surgeons (group 1) and 10 experienced gynecology surgeons (group 2).

Results: The mean age was 26.6 ± 0.6 years in group 1 and 39.7 ± 3.1 years in group 2. The satisfaction rate reached 90% in both groups. A scale from 1 to 4 (1 = not-at-all, 4 = completely) was used to assess participants' perceptions. The realism of the simulation was rated at 3.3 ± 0.1 in group 1 and 3.5 ± 0.2 in group 2 (p = 0.41), the haptic feedback was rated at 2.0 ± 0.3 and 1.8 ± 0.3 (p = 0.66), the mean exercise time was 6.4 ± 1.3 min and 4.8 ± 0.7 min (p = 0.58), and the mean success rate was 70.8 ± 3.2% and 83.5 ± 6.8% (p = 0.14). In group 2, left and right instruments were placed at 2.6 ± 0.8 mm and 2.9 ± 0.7 mm from the target respectively, and in group 1 at 4.8 ± 0.7 mm and 3.8 ± 0.5 mm respectively. Participants reported greater comfort in performing sacrospinous fixation after simulation training (3.0 ± 0.2 versus 2.3 ± 0.3, p = 0.17).

Conclusion: Our virtual reality simulation model is feasible and accurate for SSF training for both residents and experienced surgeons with a high level of satisfaction. Virtual reality simulation improves technical skills and promotes surgical comfort.