Merelbeke Melle

This research aims to evaluate training methods for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy RARP, a complex robotic surgery procedure requiring structured skill development. The study compares a new training pathway that uses a synthetic IMRA Surgical Prostatectomy Class V Hydrogel Model to the standard training pathway that uses biological human cadaver models. The goal is to determine if the hydrogel model provides training outcomes that are as effective as the traditional method, addressing ethical and scalability challenges in surgical education. Participants enrolled in a five-day standardized robotic surgery training course will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group trains on the hydrogel model during the fourth day, while the other group trains on human cadaver models on the same day. Both groups then complete a final assessment using human cadaver training on the fifth day. The training includes supervision, defined learning objectives, and performance assessments based on validated metrics. During the study, participants technical skills, errors, confidence levels, readiness to perform RARP, and cognitive workload will be measured through assessments and questionnaires. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants meeting proficiency criteria at the final cadaver assessment. The study also evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of the hydrogel model in surgical training. Participation lasts for the full training course, with evaluations conducted at key points.