Virtual reality simulators are more efficient than training on real patients. It eliminates the risk of harming the patient while trying to learn a new skill. It also eliminates the time restraints on waiting for types of cases to come up and it allows the trainee to practice independently. Virtual reality can objectively evaluate and measure technical competence rather than the traditional subjective measure of trainee and mentor. Using virtual patients to train on is less expensive and less offensive than training on animal models.
New technology is expensive.
The cost of developing hardware and software for the application of virtual reality technology is too great for many institutions to implement at this time. Presently the equipment used to create a virtual environment is restrictive and uncomfortable to its users. This would have to be overcome for more convenient uses in surgical procedures. The great attraction of this system is that it would allow surgeons to observe, assist or perform surgical procedures from some distance.