Surgical skills should be practiced on simulators to overcome the initial, steep part of the learning curve. However, practical and economical issues counteracts the implementation of simulation-based training and tests. We invented the Training and Assessment of Basic Laparoscopic Techniques (TABLT) which is a high quality training and assessment tool that is inexpensive, easy to set up and based on content relevant for basic laparoscopic skills.

Sixty surgeons and surgical trainees were recruited from departments of surgery, gynecology and urology. All participants performed the TABLT test twice. The second attempt was rated on-site and afterwards by a blinded rater using video recordings.

The TABLT had a high inter-rater reliability showing an intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.99 (p<0.001).  

An ANOVA test showed a significant difference between the groups of different level of experience with a p<0.001. 

There was a correlation between the laparoscopic experience of the surgeons measured in number of procedures and the test score with a Pearson’s r value of 0.73 (p<0.001).

A pass/fail level was established using contrasting groups methods.

We found evidence supporting validity for the TABLT. The scoring system has a high inter rater reliability

High quality assessment of laparoscopic skills in box-trainers is now available for novice trainees in all surgical specialties. The TABLT is inexpensive and easy to implement in either a new or an existing course.