The influence of experience and camera holding on laparoscopic instrument movements measured with the TrEndo tracking system

Abstract

Laparoscopic experience and the camera-holding factor influenced the performance of laparoscopic tasks on the simulator. Time, path length, and depth perception clearly discriminate between different levels of experience in laparoscopy, whereas 3D and 1D motion smoothness play a limited role. Novices experienced more difficulties when an assistant held the camera. Therefore, self-manipulation of the camera seems to improve novices' eye-hand coordination.