Assessment of simulated surgical skills in parabolic microgravity.

BACKGROUND

During spaceflight crew health is paramount in the success of flight missions. The delivery of healthcare during flight requires crew readiness for medical and surgical response.

METHODS

There were 20 participants who were evaluated for accurate performance of 4 basic laparoscopic surgical skills (clip applying, cutting, grasping, and suturing) during parabolic weightlessness using an inanimate workstation aboard the NASA KC-135 aircraft.

RESULTS

Data indicate that motor skill performance decreased within the parabolic microgravity flight environment. Performance in parabolic microgravity flight included futile effort with an increase in number of tasks attempted and a decrease in tasks completed successfully.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a decreased frequency of accurate task completion in parabolic microgravity flight, but it is not an obstacle to implementation of effective training for providing in-flight medical care. The data reveal that individuals perform basic laparoscopic surgical simulation with greater effort in microgravity following simulation training.