Structured assessment of laparoscopic camera navigation skills: the SALAS score.

BACKGROUND: Tools are needed to assess laparoscopic camera navigation (LCN) in the operating room. Here, we aimed to develop an objective rating scale for LCN.

STUDY DESIGN: We defined the following key aspects of LCN: operational field centering, correct angle of the horizon, correct instrument visualization, verbal commands from the operating surgeon, and manual corrections from the operating surgeon. We then developed a score based on intraoperative error evaluation from intraoperative recordings of 80 procedures. Finally, the newly developed score was validated by four different raters using video-based analysis of 20 elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

RESULTS: We developed and validated a tool for the structured assessment of laparoscopic assistant skills (SALAS). This score showed good internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha of > 0.7. Intraclass correlation revealed a low interrater variability (ICC 0.866) for the total score. Comparison of experienced and inexperienced camera assistants revealed significantly better SALAS scores for experienced assistants (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Our present results show that SALAS score is valid, reliable, and practicable. This score can be used for future investigations of camera navigation efficiency and training.