Virtual reality and surgical training: Simulating the future

Abstract

Summary The field of minimally invasive surgery has created a demand for a new way to train surgeons. The skills required are very different from those developed performing open surgery, and the costs of training with humans are prohibitive. Virtual reality offers a potential solution to the limitations of a surgical simulator. Although presently in its infancy, the models created with virtual reality demonstrate that the field promises great benefits. Once computer power and interface techniques are improved, an entirely new form of training will be available to young surgeons.