Simulations for Surgical Education: a Case Study for Endoneurosurgery

Abstract

Today, introduction of the microscope and later the extensive use of the video camera have changed the way operations are performed which have replaced the direct vision by a video image. These types of surgical techniques are generally called as minimal invasive surgery (MIS). Laparoscopic surgery and endoscopic surgery fall in this category. These new technologies require some additional skills to be gained during the surgical education and training programs. Most of the traditional surgical training takes place in the operating theater under the supervision of an experienced surgeon which does not allow any try-and-error type of learning, and does not tolerate errors. Hence, alternative educational methods by providing try-and-error type of learning are a critical for medical education. This study presents a simulation environment developed specifically for the pituitary surgery operations. The simulation environment composed of two main parts: the skill-based education and the procedure-based education for the novice surgeons. This study shows the design and implementation of educational modules developed to provide try-and-error type of educational environments as a case study on pituitary surgery operations.