Milan hospital introduces 'sim' surgery

(ANSA) - Milan, November 24 - Virtual reality of the kind used in pilot training went into service Monday at Milan's Besta Neurological Institute, where four advanced simulators began training neurosurgeons.
    The simulators allow surgeons to view the brain in 3D, with the virtual reality component letting them experience the simulation as if it were a real-life surgery, with features such as tactile response mimicking brain tissue resistance when performing an incision.
    "It's been shown that one hour with the simulator is equivalent to 100 hours in the operating room," said Francesco DiMeco, director of the Besta neurosurgery department.
    DiMeco said he will propose that the ministry of health issue new norms requiring neurosurgeons to periodically verify their skills by undergoing simulator tests.