Teaching Concepts of Surgical Skills

Proper surgical performance presupposes an appropriate training procedure. The limited training time, legal, and ethical issues make practicing and developing surgical skills outside the operating theater of major importance for good clinical practice. Therefore, surgical training requires innovation and modernization of educational methods. This can be achieved by simulating environments through different modalities, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), cadaveric practice, simulation techniques, and artificial intelligence (AI). Human cadavers were until recently the main modality of training but are characterized by high cost and limited availability. The use of live animals that was also common is restricted due to ethical concerns. E-learning can provide surgeons with learning material that can be easily edited and updated and distributed but lacks hands-on practice. Recently, virtual reality simulators have been introduced in an attempt to improve surgical training. Their main advantage is the capability to provide direct feedback on surgical performance. The application of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies has also provided the opportunity to utilize large amounts of data for educational purposes. Virtual reality, including mechanical simulators, and robotics provide learners with the opportunity to acquire familiarity with surgical instruments, improve adroitness, and gain knowledge about different approaches, techniques, and complications of surgical conditions. Future developments should focus on incorporating this advanced technology in meliorating medical education, targeting better clinical outcomes and advanced patient safety.