Development of a surgical training model for bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy

Background Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy (BABA RT) is an excellent surgical method, being oncologically safe and with anatomic views similar to those of open surgery. BABA RT, however, requires training and a learning curve for proficiency. We evaluated the educational effectiveness of a surgical training model for BABA RT, comparing objective BABA scores with scores on the da Vinci Skills Simulator (dVSS). Methods Medical students, surgical residents, and surgical fellows performed structured tasks with the BABA training model and dVSS under the same conditions. All tasks were videotaped. BABA scores were compared with dVSS scores and with objective evaluation scores (GEARS and OSATS). Results Eight medical students, ten surgical residents, and eight surgical fellows participated in this study. The educational effect of BABA training improved from one to two ( p