Training surgeons with virtual reality for gallbladder surgery
The Impact of 3D Virtual Reality MRCP Rendering on Surgical Performance During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Pilot Study
This study tests if virtual reality training can help surgeons perform gallbladder surgery better and reduce the risk of injuries during the procedure.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 22 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel) |
| Trial ID | NCT05169073 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality training based on preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for surgeons performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. By enhancing the understanding of anatomical structures, the training aims to reduce the risk of intraoperative bile duct injuries, a common complication during the procedure. Participants will undergo either virtual reality training or conventional training to assess differences in surgical performance and outcomes. The study focuses on improving surgical education and patient safety in gallbladder surgeries.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients referred for elective cholecystectomy due to symptomatic gallstones or chronic cholecystitis.
Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbidities or those requiring open surgery may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of bile duct injuries during gallbladder surgeries, leading to better patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in medical training is gaining traction, this specific application for laparoscopic cholecystectomy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Referred for elective cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis/chronic cholecystitis * Early cholecystectomy after acute biliary pancreatitis * Concomitant minor procedures (adhesiolysis, umbilical hernia repair, liver biopsy) * Sufficient quality of MRCP Exclusion Criteria: * American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) classification ≥ 4 * Previous major open upper abdominal surgery * Suspicion for concomitant biliary disease (e.g. Mirizzi-Syndrome) * Robotic cholecystectomy * Planned open procedures
Where this trial is running
Basel
- University Centre for Gastrointesintal and Liver Disease — Basel, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sebastian Staubli, MD — Clarunis - University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases
- Study coordinator: Christoph Kuemmerli, MD
- Email: christoph.kuemmerli@clarunis.ch
- Phone: +41616857548
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.