Face, content and construct validation of the first virtual reality laparoscopic nephrectomy simulator.

Objective: To evaluate the face, content and construct validity, and to identify whether participants improved with practice, for the Procedicus MIST Nephrectomy simulator (Mentice, Gothenburg, Sweden), which incorporates force feedback and can record numerous performance measures (metrics) during the simulation, and which is the first virtual reality simulator for laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Subjects And Methods: Eight expert urological laparoscopic surgeons, 10 novices and 10 trainee urologists completed at least one simulated retroperitoneal radical nephrectomy. They completed a structured questionnaire to assess face and content validity; the performance of experts and novices were then compared to evaluate construct validity.

[Equipment and technology in robotics].

We review the evolution and current status of robotic equipment and technology in urology. We also describe future developments in the key areas of virtual reality simulation, mechatronics and nanorobotics. The history of robotic technology is reviewed and put into the context of current systems.

Robotics in urology: an update.

Urology has been quick to realise the advantages of surgical robots. We describe the main devices currently in use, the advantages and disadvantages of robotic-assisted surgery and the current and potential urological applications focussing on robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.