Effect of Postcall Fatigue on Surgical Skills Measured by a Robotic Simulator

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that postcall-related fatigue is associated with decreased surgical skills in the operative room. We demonstrate this effect by having residents test their skills, precall and postcall, using a novel easily reproducible technique. Time to complete the three measures analyzed was significantly increased following a 24-hour call for all participants. Fatigue acts as an equalizer of abilities in that the effects of fatigue nullify the benefits of having previous robotic simulator experience.