Laparoscopic Training With and Without Robotic Assistance for Surgical Internes: a Randomized Study

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1. 1This trial involved surgical interns practicing laparoscopic techniques on an animal model rather than patients — does that mean the findings relate to how surgeons are trained rather than a treatment I might receive, and how might that affect the quality of care I get?
2. 2Since this study measured how quickly interns could perform a laparoscopic nephrectomy with versus without robotic assistance during training, should I ask whether my surgeon trained with robotic assistance, and does it matter for my specific procedure?
3. 3This trial has already been completed — is there published data from it that my care team has reviewed, and does it change any recommendations about whether I should seek out a robotically trained surgeon?
4. 4If my surgeon is earlier in their training, is there any way to know what kind of laparoscopic training program they went through, and how does that factor into the risks I should consider?
5. 5Beyond how surgeons are trained, are there other factors — like the hospital's surgical volume or equipment — that my doctor thinks matter more for my outcome than whether robotic assistance was used during a surgeon's training?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.