Comparing two training methods for laparoscopic surgery skills

Comparison of Dry-lab Laparoscopic Training and Robotic Virtual Simulator Training to Develop Basic Laparoscopic Skills: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Geneva · NCT04989881

This study is testing which training method, dry-lab or robotic simulator, helps medical students learn laparoscopic surgery skills better when they have no prior experience.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Geneva Academic / other
Locations1 site (Geneva)
Trial IDNCT04989881 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dry-lab laparoscopic training versus robotic simulator training among medical students who have no prior experience in laparoscopic surgery. Conducted at the Swiss Foundation For Innovation And Training In Surgery, the trial will involve 100 medical students who will be randomly assigned to either a dry-lab training group or a robotic simulator group. After a single training session, participants' surgical skills will be assessed using exercises from the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) manual. The performance outcomes of both groups will be compared to determine which training method is more effective.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are medical students at the University of Geneva with no prior laparoscopic experience.

Not a fit: Patients with previous laparoscopic experience or stereoblindness may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the training methods for future surgeons, leading to improved surgical skills and patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying success with different training methods in surgical education, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Medical student at the University of Geneva

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous laparoscopic experience
* Stereoblindness

Where this trial is running

Geneva

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.