A bench-top evaluation of the Ily® robotics assisted tele console system in ureteroscopy by medical students, residents and urologists: does prior videogaming experience help shape the learning curve?

Previous studies have demonstrated an association between video-gaming experience (VGE) and improved robotics skills. We aimed to evaluate the initial learning curve for the Ily® robotics system (Sterlab, Sophia Antipolis, France) when applied to flexible ureteroscopy (FU) among both medical students and urology surgeons.

There were two groups, surgeons and students. An initial questionnaire was completed detailing basic demographics and experience. In part one, both groups performed two simple timed tasks using an Ily® mounted single-use RAU. In part two, group 1 repeated both tasks using a hand-held FU. A subjective assessment of comfort, intuitiveness and a NASA Task Load Index were then completed.

There was a total of 28 participants. Among medical students with VGE (n = 9, 64%)., average calyceal inspection time was 185 ± 80 s; 133 ± 42 s; 121 ± 71 s. For non-gamers (n = 5, 36%), average times were longer at 221 ± 97 s; 134 ± 35 s; 143 ± 68 s respectively. Average calyceal inspection time for videogaming surgeons (n = 8, 57%) was 126 ± 95 s; 98 ± 40 s; 107 ± 71 s, respectively. For non-gamers average inspection times were longer at 150 ± 73 s; 114 ± 82 s; 111 ± 47 s, respectively. None of these differences achieved statistical significance. Surgeons trial speeds were, however, significantly faster by hand-held compared to RAU: by 103, 81 and 82 s respectively (p < 0.05).

These results show that ex- or current- video gamers do not have a significant advantage in time to perform FU. Any early advantage conferred to ex- or current- gamers may be rapidly overcome.