The Altair Robotics Lab at University of Verona, Italy has developed and is making available its Xron (pronounced qi ron) surgical simulator. The software is designed to simulate robotic and traditional laparoscopic procedures and includes a bunch of training games that will take you back to your toddler days.
The virtual objects on the screen behave according to the laws of physics, dropping and moving naturally and reacting to instruments as real ones would. The system can take advantage of 3D monitors and will interface with a variety of input devices. Here’s a video demonstrating the components of the software and the various interfaces that can be used to practice with it. Hospitals and clinics are invited to participate in the beta testing of the software by applying at the Xron’s info page.
(hat tip: SurgRob)