Training in robotic surgery: initial experience using the Brazilian College of Surgeons model

ABSTRACT

Objective:  to present the initial experience of the first tier of surgeons trained in the new model of robotic surgery training proposed by the CBC.

Methods:  we retrospectively collected data and information on training with the Da Vinci SI robotic system. The variables analyzed were, in the pre-clinical phase, time of completion of each step by surgeon and number of hours in the simulator, and in the clinical phase, operations carried out by the training group, number of surgeons who performed nine procedures in ninety days (“9 in 90”), time of docking, time of console, and results surgical.

Results:  we interviewed 39 surgeons before training started; 20 (51.3%) reached the clinical phase. The average age of surgeons was 47.9 years (38-62). The average time between the first interview and the delivery of the online certificate was 64 days (15-133). The surgeons have made an average of 51h and 36 minutes of robot simulation (40-83 hours). The total number of cases in which the training surgeons participated as first assistant was 418, with an average of 20.9 per surgeon. The time of pre-clinical training had an average of 116 days (48-205).

Conclusion:  the new model proposed had good acceptance by all surgeons trained and proved safe in the initial sample.

Keywords: Robotic Telesurgery; Training; Robotic Surgical Procedure