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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Jan 16, 2014; 6(1): 6-12
Published online Jan 16, 2014. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v6.i1.6
Published online Jan 16, 2014. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v6.i1.6
Virtual reality simulators for gastrointestinal endoscopy training
Konstantinos Triantafyllou, Lazaros Dimitrios Lazaridis, George D Dimitriadis, Hepatogastroenterology Unit, Second Department of Internal Medicine and Research Institute, Attikon University General Hospital, Medical School, Athens University, 12462 Athens, Greece
Author contributions: Triantafyllou K conceived the idea, reviewed the manuscript for intellectual content and gave final approval; Lazaridis LD searched the literature, drafted the manuscript and gave final approval; and Dimitriadis GD reviewed the manuscript for intellectual content and gave final approval.
Correspondence to: Konstantinos Triantafyllou, Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology, Hepatogastroenterology Unit, Second Department of Internal Medicine and Research Institute, Attikon University General Hospital, Medical School, Athens University, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece. ktriant@med.uoa.gr
Telephone: +30-210-5832090 Fax: +30-210-5326422
Received: October 22, 2013
Revised: November 24, 2013
Accepted: December 17, 2013
Published online: January 16, 2014
Revised: November 24, 2013
Accepted: December 17, 2013
Published online: January 16, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Virtual endoscopic simulators have a great potential in endoscopy training. There are currently two virtual simulators available to purchase as well as others available for non-commercial use. The use of virtual simulators in endoscopy boosts training procedure for upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy; the benefits being more prominent in novice trainees. More data are needed to document their position in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound training. Available simulators should not be considered a tool for assessing the skills of endoscopists. The main disadvantage of virtual simulators is their high cost.