Comparison of the Effect of Instrument Type on Transanal Endoscopic Surgery Learning Curves

In this study, we compared the performance of surgical novices using instruments with and without articulating shafts to perform a simulated TES task. Methods: Medical students each performed 10 repetitions of the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery circle-cut task. Participants were randomized into 3 groups: 2 performed the task through a TES proctoscope using scissors with either a rigid (TES-R) or articulating (TES-A) shaft. The third group performed the task laparoscopically (LAP). Results: A total of 31 medical students participated. The LAP group had a faster mean task time than both the TES-R and TES-A groups (LAP 201±120 s vs. TES-R 362±212 s and TES-A 405±212 s, both P
Source: Surgical Laparoscopy, Endoscopy and Percutaneous Techniques - Category: Surgery Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research