Abstract:Objective To explore the application value of virtual reality training in urethrovesical anastomosis of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Methods Using robot simulated training system, 3 surgeons were trained by anastomotic simulation training for basic operation. The key parameters, including overall score, time to complete anastomosis, robot movement distance, instrument collision times, times of instrument out of sight and missed target times, were compared before and after training. The 3 surgeons carried out urethrovesical anastomosis in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for 9 patients using robot-assisted system. The quality of anastomosis was evaluated. Results After training, the overall score of 3 surgeons was increased from 65.0±10.8 before training to 92.7±3.5, time to complete anastomosis was shortened from (279.0±48.0) s to (119.3±12.5) s, and robot movement distance was increased from (459.0±59.2) cm to (239.3±33.9) cm; and the differences were significant (all P<0.05). There were no significant changes in the times of instrument out of sight or missed target before and after training. The urethrovesical anastomosis of 9 patients were successfully performed by the 3 surgeons during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, with the average anastomosis time being (23.4±8.6) min. No increased creatinine level was found in drainage fluid of the patients and no leakage of urine occurred. No leakage of contrast agents was found in cystography on the 7th day after operation, and the catheter was removed on the 8th day after operation. Conclusion Virtual reality training using robot simulated system can help urologists to get familiar with the robotic system quickly. It can improve the urethrovesical anastomosis during operation with high efficiency and quality.