Effect of visual displays and locations on laparoscopic surgical training task

The number of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures has substantially increased since its introduction due to health and recovery benefits for patients. However, there are potential performance issues in MIS for surgeons due to perceptual processing demands associated with supporting technologies. Monitor location has been identified as a major factor influencing performance in these types of procedures. This study examined the effect of multiple monitors on performance during a laparoscopic surgical training task (peg transfer among instruments). Twenty-four novice subjects were exposed to different monitor conditions including a default position, a biomechanically compatible position, and a position collocated with the operating surface as well as the combination of the latter two. Subjective rankings and cognitive workload were also assessed. Results revealed a significant effect of monitor position on task time when compared to subjects’ baseline training task time using the default monitor setup. Collocating the monitor with the operating surface was shown to be superior in terms of task time. There were no significant differences among monitor positions in terms of perceived workload. The results of this study provide an applicable guide for the design of MIS setups in the operating room to promote surgeon performance.

► Optimal visual display location and setup still undefined in terms of performance for MIS.
► We examine the effect of visual display location on simulated laparoscopic surgery.
► Monitors collocated with the operating surface produced the most improvement when compared to the traditional MIS setup.
► Multiple stacked monitors did not result in performance improvements compared to the constituent monitors.