Impact of Gaming Skills on Laparoscopic Performance: A Single-Blinded Randomised Controlled Trial

Skills required in laparoscopic surgery are not the natural extend from open surgery. It has been demonstrated that modern video gaming improves the acquisition of these skills. This study aims to evaluate the improvement of virtual laparoscopic performance among house officers’ with or without gaming. This single-blinded randomised controlled trial was conducted in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from September 2021 until February 2023. Participants were randomised into control (non-gamer) and intervention (gamer) groups using a stratified block randomisation method. Intervention groups were assigned to structure gaming session using the Nintendo Switch in between laparoscopic simulation. Laparoscopic skills were assessed using laparoscopic cholecystectomy simulation programme. Eleven performance metrics were recorded. Demographic data was analysed using Student’s t-test and Fisher’s Exact Test. Laparoscopic performance results were analysed using repeated measure ANOVA test. A total of 54 house officers were recruited, with a median age of 26 years. Among the 13-performance metrics, the intervention group showed 5/11 metrics significantly improved compared to 3/11 in the control group. Overall performance by total time to complete tasks was significantly improved among the intervention group (F(2,28) = 7.720, P = 0.001). Path length for both dominant and non-dominant hands improved in the intervention group but not statistically significant. Dexterity assessed by total mistake and total clips wasted significantly better among intervention group (F(2,28) = 6.924, P = 0.002, F(2,28) = 4.262, P = 0.018). The study shows modern video gaming skills improve laparoscopic performance, hinting at serious game integration in training, potentially revolutionising clinical education. Gaming might become a prerequisite for laparoscopic surgery trainees, enhancing motivation and engagement alongside traditional simulators.