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WCE 2018: Patient-Specific Virtual Reality Simulation Improves Visuospatial Recognition of Renal Masses

Paris, France (UroToday.com) As an introduction to his talk, Arun Rai stated that for greater than 60,000 cases of RCC, 61% of all renal masses are T1-T2 and that Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is now accepted as standard of care for most T1 tumors and has been suggested as standard for T2 masses as well. He also stated that education and training for this procedure requires delicate tissue handling without haptic feedback, and the need for excellent visuospatial understanding. For this study, the use of virtual reality and surgical simulation was used as a training model for Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Three patient-specific 3D models were created using CT DICOM data. These 3D models were both converted to be used within a dV-trainer simulator environment as well as cast in 3D printed plaster model. 

Medical students were recruited and randomized into two group: 

  1. dV Trainer Group: allowed to view 3D model using the dV-trainer simulator then asked to choose the best 3D printed model that represented the 3D model viewed. 
  2. No dV Trainer Group: allowed to view CT imaging only then asked choose the best 3D printed model that represented the 3D model viewed. 
Overall, subjects in the dV-Trainer group demonstrated improved tumor localization compared to subjects that did not use the dV-Trainer.. 

Dr. Arun Rai concluded that the use of the dV-Trainer improved renal tumor visuospatial recognition and the selection of closer renal mass compared to standard 2D imaging alone. He added that in this study, trainees who had access to the dV-trainer, on average were 50% closer to the correct renal mass. Lastly, he stated that all other factors such as age, 3D aptitude score, dV-Trainer score, ability to assign the correnct R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score, MS year, and desired future specialty did not associate with tumor localizing ability.

Presented by: Arun Rai, Baylor, MD, College of Medicine

Authors: Arun Rai, J Scovell, R Link

Affiliation: Baylor College of Medicine, United States

Written by: Renai Yoon, medical writer for UroToday at the 36th World Congress of Endourology (WCE) and SWL - September 20-23, 2018 Paris, France