Assessing the Use of a Training Model Using Immersive Virtual Reality for Sacrospinous Fixation Surgery: A Pilot Study

Sacrospinous fixation (SSF) is a surgical complex procedure for uterovaginal prolapse that may result in pudendal plexus and vascular damage. The objective was to evaluate a training model using virtual reality to perform SSF.

We conducted a prospective single-center pilot study in the university’s academic innovation department in November 2023. We recruited 20 participants, 10 gynecology resident surgeons (group 1) and 10 experienced gynecology surgeons (group 2).

The mean age was 26.6 ± 0.6 years in group 1 and 39.7 ± 3.1 years in group 2. The satisfaction rate reached 90% in both groups. A scale from 1 to 4 (1 = not-at-all, 4 = completely) was used to assess participants’ perceptions. The realism of the simulation was rated at 3.3 ± 0.1 in group 1 and 3.5 ± 0.2 in group 2 (p = 0.41), the haptic feedback was rated at 2.0 ± 0.3 and 1.8 ± 0.3 (p = 0.66), the mean exercise time was 6.4 ± 1.3 min and 4.8 ± 0.7 min (p = 0.58), and the mean success rate was 70.8 ± 3.2% and 83.5 ± 6.8% (p = 0.14). In group 2, left and right instruments were placed at 2.6 ± 0.8 mm and 2.9 ± 0.7 mm from the target respectively, and in group 1 at 4.8 ± 0.7 mm and 3.8 ± 0.5 mm respectively. Participants reported greater comfort in performing sacrospinous fixation after simulation training (3.0 ± 0.2 versus 2.3 ± 0.3, p = 0.17).

Our virtual reality simulation model is feasible and accurate for SSF training for both residents and experienced surgeons with a high level of satisfaction. Virtual reality simulation improves technical skills and promotes surgical comfort.