Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of NeuroTouch using in the training of junior neurosurgeons.Methods Eight right-handed male neurosurgery residents and 16 male right-handed neurosurgery students were selected, in which 8 are master candidates and 8 are doctor candidates. Then each of the residents completed simulated Glioblastoma multiform resections using the NeuroTouch platform. The resectability of tumor, volume of healthy brain removed, sum of forces utilized, maximum force applied during tumor resection, instrument total tip path lengths and frequency of pedal activation, were observed. Other 16 neurosurgery novices performed the resection of 7 simulated brain tumor before using the NeuroTouch platform, recording all data above mentioned. A completely randomized analysis of variance and paired-samples t test were processed using SPSS 23.0.Results Compared with postgraduates, neurosurgery residents had higher resectability, resected less surrounding simulated normal brain tissue, less sum of forces utilized and maximum force applied, shorter ultrasonic aspirator total tip path lengths and activated the simulated ultrasonic pedal less frequently(P<0.05). Junior neurosurgeons could significantly improve the operation skill after training(P<0.05).Conclusions NeuroTouch can reflect the experience of operators and improve the operation skill of junior neurosurgeons.

Key words: NeuroTouch, Neurosurgeons, Operation skill, Clinical competence