Residents perform better technically, have less stress and workload, and prefer robotic to laparoscopic technique during inanimate simulation

Introduction With the widespread adoption of minimally invasive surgery, there is a growing need for surgical residents to be trained by a procedure-specific curriculum. This study aimed to evaluate the technical performance and feedback of surgical residents undergoing the robotic and laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) and gastrojejunostomy (GJ) biotissue modules. Methods A total of 23 PGY-3 surgical residents participated in this study and performed the laparoscopic and robotic HJ and GJ drills, which were recorded and scored by two independent graders using the modified objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS). After completing each drill, all participants filled out the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), Borg Exertion Scale, and Edwards Arousal Rating Questionnaire. Results Twenty-two (95.7%) residents had already received fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery certification. Eighteen (78.3%) residents had robotic virtual simulation training and the median (range) number of robotic surgery console experience was 4 (0–30). In the HJ comparison of the six OSATS domains, the robotic system was superior in Gentleness ( p = 0.031). In the GJ comparison, the robotic system was superior in Time and Motion ( p < 0.001), Instrument Handling ( p = 0.001), Flow of Operation ( p = 0.002), Tissue Exposure ( p = 0.013), and Summary ( p < 0.001). Participants answered significantly higher demand scores for laparoscopy on all six facets of NASA-TLX for both HJ and GJ ( p < 0.05). The Borg Level of Exertion was > 2 points higher for laparoscopic HJ and GJ ( p < 0.001). Residents rated more Nervousness and Anxiety for laparoscopic compared to robotic ( p < 0.05) HJ and GJ. Additionally, when asked to score preference for robotic and laparoscopic approach in terms of technique and ergonomics, residents scored robot as better (laparoscopy worse) for both HJ and GJ in both domains. Conclusions The robotic surgical system provided a more favorable environment for trainees with less mental and physical burden for minimally invasive HJ and GJ curriculum. Graphical abstract