A computerized analysis of robotic versus laparoscopic task performance

Introduction: Robotic technology has been postulated to improve performance in advanced surgical skills. We utilized a novel computerized assessment system to objectively describe the technical enhancement in task performance comparing robotic and laparoscopic instrumentation. Methods and procedures: Advanced laparoscopic surgeons (2-10 yrs experience) performed three unique task modules using laparoscopic and Telerobotic surgical instrumentation (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA). Performance was evaluated using a computerized assessment system (ProMIS, Dublin, Ireland) and results were recorded as time (s), path (mm) and precision. Each surgeon had an initial training session followed by two testing sessions for each module. A paired Student's t-test was used to analyze the data. Results: Ten surgeons completed the study. 8/10 surgeons had significant technical enhancement utilizing robotic technology. Conclusions: The ProMIS computerized assessment system can be modified to objectively obtain task performance data with robotic instrumentation. All the tasks were performed faster and with more precision using the robotic technology than standard laparoscopy.