Effect of virtual reality versus dry lab training on technical skills in robotic surgical simulation: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Takeaways - MDSpire
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Virtual Reality Compared with Dry-Lab Training for Technical Skills in Robotic Surgery Simulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

  • By

  • Samy Castillo-Flores

  • Ricardo E. Nunez-Rocha

  • Andres A. Abreu

  • Zachary A. Whitham

  • Gilbert Z. Murimwa

  • Morgan F. Pettigrew

  • Ofelia Negrete-Vasquez

  • Ganesh Sankaranarayanan

  • Angela A. Guzzetta

  • Daniel J. Scott

  • Herbert J. Zeh

  • Patricio M. Polanco

  • October 8, 2026

Share

  • 1

    Robotic surgery trainees develop fundamental skills through virtual reality (VR) or physical simulation, including dry-lab (DL) and ex vivo models.

  • 2

    DL uses robotic instruments and physical models, offering physical fidelity but requiring costly equipment and preparation.

  • 3

    VR simulators are increasingly used for training and can provide objective performance feedback, but their software-based physics may vary in fidelity.

  • 4

    Prior comparisons of VR and DL training have reported inconsistent results, and evidence about transfer of skills to patients is limited.

  • 5

    This systematic review and meta-analysis compares VR with DL robotic training for technical performance and task completion time among surgical trainees.

Original Source(s)

Effect of virtual reality versus dry lab training on technical skills in robotic surgical simulation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • by Samy Castillo-Flores, Ricardo E. Nunez-Rocha, Andres A. Abreu, Zachary A. Whitham, Gilbert Z. Murimwa, Morgan F. Pettigrew, Ofelia Negrete-Vasquez, Ganesh Sankaranarayanan, Angela A. Guzzetta, Daniel J. Scott, Herbert J. Zeh, Patricio M. Polanco

  • October 8, 2026

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