Experienced surgeons can do more than one thing at a time: effect of distraction on performance of a simple laparoscopic and cognitive task by experienced and novice surgeons

Background While operating, surgeons are required to make cognitive decisions and often are interrupted to attend to questions from other members of the health care team. Technical automatization may be achieved by experienced surgeons such that these distractions have little effect on performance of either the surgical or the cognitive task. This study assessed the effect of adding a distracting cognitive task on performance of a basic laparoscopic skill by novice and experienced surgeons. Methods In this study, 31 novice (medical students in postgraduate years [PGYs] 1–2) and 9 experienced (fellows/attendants and PGYs 4–5) laparoscopic surgeons practiced the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) laparoscopic peg transfer task until their scores stabilized. The mean normalized score after five repetitions then was recorded. The subjects also were tested on the number of mathematical addition questions they could answer in 1 min. This was repeated five times, with the mean number of questions attempted and the accuracy (% correct) recorded. The laparoscopic and addition tasks then were performed concurrently five times. Data, presented as mean ± standard deviation, were analyzed using Student’s t-test. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results After practice to stable peg transfer performance, the baseline peg transfer score was higher in the experienced group (98 ± 6 vs 87 ± 12; p < 0.01). There were no baseline differences between the groups in the number of math questions attempted in 1 min (10 ± 2 vs 9 ± 2; p = 0.55) or the number of correct answers (9 ± 3 vs 8 ± 3; p = 0.36). The comparison of baseline performance and dual-task performance showed that the experienced surgeons had no decline in peg transfer score (98 ± 6 vs 97 ± 6; p = 0.48), number of questions attempted in 1 min (10 ± 2 vs 9 ± 3; p = 0.32), or number of correct answers (9 ± 3 vs 8 ± 3; p = 0.46). In contrast, dual-tasking among the novices was associated with a decrease in the number of questions attempted (9 ± 2 vs 8 ± 2; p < 0.01) and the number of correct answers (8 ± 3 vs 7 ± 2; p = 0.02), and with no change in the peg transfer score (87 ± 12 vs 88 ± 8; p = 0.38) compared with baseline. Conclusions Distraction significantly decreased a novice’s ability to process cognitively based math problems, whereas there was no effect on experienced subjects. This occurred despite the fact that the novice group had practiced to high-level peg transfer scores at baseline. This suggests that the experienced surgeons had achieved automatization of the peg transfer basic surgical skill to a level that cognitive distraction did not affect performance of either task. The experienced surgeons were able to attend equally to both tasks, whereas the novices attended to the surgical task at the expense of some aspects of cognitive task performance. Presented at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, April 2007     

Construct validation of a novel hybrid virtual-reality simulator for training and assessing laparoscopic colectomy; results from the first course for experienced senior laparoscopic surgeons

Objectives  The objective of the study was to determine whether the metrics from a left-sided laparoscopic colectomy (LC) simulator could distinguish between the objectively scored performance of minimally invasive colorectal expert and novice surgeons. We report our results from the first virtual reality-based laparoscopic colorectal training course for experienced laparoscopic surgeons. Methods  Eleven surgeons, experienced but novice in LC, constituted the novice group, and three experienced laparoscopic colorectal surgeons (>300 LCs) served as our experts. Novice subjects received didactic educational sessions and instruction in practice of LC from the experts. All subjects received instruction, demonstration, and supervision on the surgical technique to perform a LC on the simulator. All subjects then performed a laparoscopic colectomy on the simulator. Experts performed the same case as the novices. Outcomes measured by the simulator were time to perform the procedure, instrument path length, and smoothness of the trajectory of the instruments. Anatomy trays from the simulator were objectively scored for explicitly predefined intraoperative errors after each procedure. Results  Expert surgeons performed significantly better then the novice colorectal surgeons with regard to instrument path length, instrument smoothness, and time taken to complete the procedure. Of the 13 predetermined errors, experts made significantly fewer errors in total then the novices (mean score 2.67 versus 4.7, p = 0.03), and performed better in 8 out of 13 errors. Conclusion  The parameters assessed by the ProMIS VR simulator for laparoscopic colorectal training distinguished between novice and expert colorectal surgeons, despite using otherwise experienced novices who had extensive training before the procedure and expert mentoring during it. Experts performed the simulated procedure significantly faster with more efficient use of their instruments, and made fewer intraoperative errors. Thus the simulator demonstrated construct validity.     

Development and evaluation of a simulator-based laparoscopic training program for surgical novices

Background

The use of simulation to train novice surgeons in laparoscopic skills is becoming increasingly popular. To maximize benefit from simulation, training needs to be delivered and assessed in a structured manner. This study aimed to define performance goals, demonstrate construct validity of the training program, and evaluate whether novice surgeons could reach the preset performance goals.

Methods

Nine expert laparoscopic surgeons established performance goals for three basic modules of an augmented-reality laparoscopic simulator. The three laparoscopic modules were used by 40 novice surgeons and 40 surgical trainees (postgraduate years [PGYs] 1–4). The performance outcomes were analyzed across the different groups (novice, PGYs 1 and 2, PGYs 3 and 4, expert) to determine construct validity. Then 26 recruited novices trained on the three modules with the aim of reaching the performance goals.

Results

The results demonstrated a significant difference in performance between all levels of experience for time (p < 0.001), motion analysis (p < 0.001), and error score (p < 0.001), thus demonstrating construct validity. All 26 novice surgeons significantly improved in performance with repetition for the metrics of time (p < 0.001) and motion analysis (p < 0.001). For two of the modules, the proficiency goals were reached in fewer than 10 trials by 80 % of the study participants.

Conclusion

Basic skills in laparoscopic surgery can be learned and improved using proficiency-based simulation training. It is possible for novice surgeons to achieve predefined performance goals in a reasonable time frame.     

Objective assessment comparing hand-assisted and conventional laparoscopic surgery

Background Although several reports have subjectively highlighted the benefits of hand-assisted as compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery, there has been little objective analysis comparing these two techniques. Methods For this study, 12 trained laparoscopic surgeons completed standardized knot-tying and dissection tasks in a laparoscopic trainer using both hand-assisted (HandPort) and traditional laparoscopic techniques. Motion analysis with the Imperial College Surgical Assessment Device was used to assess performance, measuring the number of movements made, the path length of hand travel, and the time taken. Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare hand-assisted (HA) and conventional laparoscopic (L) performance. A p value less than 0.05 was deemed significant. Means and standard deviations are shown in the results. Results In knot tying, for both the dominant and nondominant hands, hand-assisted rather than conventional laparoscopic techniques resulted in reduced movements (dominant: HA [114 ± 50] vs L [321 ± 118, p < 0.001], nondominant: HA [89 ± 36] vs L [296 ± 96, p < 0.001]); path length (dominant: HA [1,083 ± 680 mm] vs L [3,637 ± 1,852 mm, p < 0.001], nondominant: HA [549 ± 339 mm] vs L [2,556 ± 1,042 mm, p < 0.001]); and time taken (HA [162 ± 50 s] vs L [460 ± 179s, p < 0.001]). However, there was no statistical difference for any measured variable with respect to the dissection task. Conclusion Hand-assisted surgery significantly improves the knot-tying ability among trained laparoscopic surgeons. However, there appears to be no improvement in performance for this specific dissection task.     

Construct validity for the LAPSIM laparoscopic surgical simulator

Background The skills required for laparoscopic surgery are amenable to simulator-based training. Several computerized devices are now available. We hypothesized that the LAPSIM simulator can be shown to distinguish novice from experienced laparoscopic surgeons, thus establishing construct validity.Methods We tested residents of all levels and attending laparoscopic surgeons. The subjects were tested on eight software modules. Pass/fail (P/F), time (T), maximum level achieved (MLA), tissue damage (TD), motion, and error scores were compared using the t-test and analysis of variance.Results A total of 54 subjects were tested. The most significant difference was found when we compared the most (seven attending surgeons) and least experienced (10 interns) subjects. Grasping showed significance at P/F and MLA (p < 0.03). Clip applying was significant for P/F, MLA, motion, and errors (p < 0.02). Laparoscopic suturing was significant for P/F, MLA, T, TD, as was knot error (p < 0.05). This finding held for novice, intermediate, and expert subjects (p < 0.05) and for suturing time between attending surgeons and residents (postgraduate year [PGY] 1-4) (p < 0.05).Conclusions LAPSIM has construct validity to distinguish between expert and novice laparoscopists. Suture simulation can be used to discriminate between individuals at different levels of residency and expert surgeons.Presented at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Denver, CO, USA, April 1–3, 2004     

Day case laparoscopic herniorraphy

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate day case laparoscopic herniorraphy (LH) and to ascertain the impact of trainee surgeons on its performance. Methods We performed a prospective study of ambulatory laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal herniorraphies performed in a dedicated day surgical unit between March 1996 and October 2003. Results A total of 840 herniorraphies were performed in 706 consecutive patients. Surgery was performed by 15 higher surgical trainees and three consultant surgeons. The mean operating times for trainees were longer for unilateral (48.4 ± 0.98 vs 41.4 ± 0.87 min, p < 0.05) and bilateral (69.0 ± 3.24 vs 53.0 ± 1.68 min, p < 0.05) repairs than for consultants. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that after an experience of 40 procedures, trainee times approached those of the consultants (41.39 ± 1.17 vs 41.4 ± 0.87 min, p= 0.31). LH repair was well tolerated and associated with minimal postoperative pain and nausea. Mean pain scores postoperatively and at 24 h were 2.69 ± 0.11 and 2.07 ± 0.09, respectively. Mean nausea scores postoperatively and at 24 h were 0.34 ± 0.06 and 0.22 ± 0.06, respectively. Ninety-three percent of patients (n = 657) were discharged within 8 h. There were two conversions to an open procedure (0.1%) and two significant complications (0.1%). Ninety-five percent of patients who responded to our questionnaire (n = 398/419) were satisfied with surgery and would undergo day case laparoscopic herniorraphy again. Conclusions Laparoscopic herniorraphy is a safe technique suitable for day case surgery. Operator experience dictates duration of surgery. Trainees’ operating times approach those of consultants after 40 procedures. Prolonged operating times and increased cost are not justifiable reasons for not recommending LH.     

Analysis of eye gaze: Do novice surgeons look at the same location as expert surgeons during a laparoscopic operation?

Introduction

Eye-gaze technology can be used to track the gaze of surgeons on the surgical monitor. We examine the gaze of surgeons performing a task in the operating room and later watching the operative video in a lab. We also examined gaze of video watching by surgical residents.

Methods

Data collection required two phases. Phase 1 involved recording the real-time eye gaze of expert surgeons while they were performing laparoscopic procedures in the operating room. The videos were used for phase 2. Phase 2 involved showing the recorded videos to the same expert surgeons, and while they were watching the videos (self-watching), their eye gaze was recorded. Junior residents (PGY 1-3) also were asked to watch the videos (other-watching) and their eye gaze was recorded. Dual eye-gaze similarity in self-watching was computed by the level of gaze overlay and compared with other-watching.

Results

Sixteen cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy were recorded in the operating room. When experts watched the videos, there was a 55?% overlap of eye gaze; yet when novices watched, only a 43.8?% overlap (p?<?0.001) was shown.

Conclusions

These findings show that there is a significant difference in gaze patterns between novice and expert surgeons while watching surgical videos. Expert gaze recording from the operating room can be used to make teaching videos for gaze training to expedite learning curves of novice surgeons.     

Enoxaparin Effect on Malondialdehyde Levels in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This study was established to assess the effects of low dose enoxaparin on plasma malondialdehyde levels during laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a model of ischemia–reperfusion. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients, scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were randomized into two groups of 25 patients in each. In enoxaparin group, patients had 20 mg/0.2 ml subcutaneous (sc) enoxaparin 2 hr before surgery. Blood samples were obtained for malondialdehyde, alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, measurements before the insufflation, 1 min before deflation, and 20 min after deflation. Results: Plasma malondialdehyde concentrations were insignificant between enoxaparin and control groups before insufflation (1.64 ± 2.66 vs. 2.45 ± 4.42 μmol l^?1; p = 0.44) and 1 min before deflation (1.55 ± 2.61 vs. 3.66 ± 5.68 μmol l^?1; p = 0.38). Malondialdehyde levels significantly increased in control group 20 min after deflation in respect to enoxaparin group (1.52 ± 2.67 vs. 6.04 ± 7.85 μmol l^?1), (p = 0.049). In control group, plasma malondialdehyde concentrations increased significantly compared with initial level throughout the study (p = 0.001). Within enoxaparin group, no statistically significant change was observed (p = 0.28). Plasma alanine transferase and aspartate transferase levels increased similarly in both groups during the study (p > 0.05). Alanine transferase and aspartate transferase increases within each group were statistically significant for all times (p < 0.05). Discussion and Conclusions: As a conclusion, mini dose of enoxaparin used sc'ly 2 hr before the operation, prevented the malondialdehyde increase during reperfusion period after laparoscopic cholecystectomy without causing any bleeding disorder while having no effect on serum alanine transferase, aspartate transferase increase.     

A computer-based laparoscopic skills assessment device differentiates experienced from novice laparoscopic surgeons

Background: The acquisition of laparoscopic skills is difficult to assess. Previously, through the use of a computer-based skills assessment device (SAD), we have shown that assessments of the time needed to perform a task and graded observations of task performance overestimate the speed at which laparoscopic skills can be acquired. The aim of this study was to test the ability of a laparoscopic SAD to differentiate novices from experienced laparoscopic surgeons and thereby further validate its use in surgical education. Methods: Using a laparoscopic simulator platform integrated with task simulation and data collection software (MIST VR), we tested both experienced and novice laparoscopists. Each group performed three tasks with a minimum of seven repetitions. The tasks consisted of target acquisition, target traversal, and target manipulation with diathermy. Within each task, time (T), errors (E), and economy of movement for each hand (EML, EMR) were assessed. Results were reported as mean ± SEM, and comparisons were made using an independent samples t-test. Results: For the target acquisition task, the expert group performed the task faster than the novice group (5.5 ± 0.24 vs 7.6 ± 0.40 sec, p <0.05); the experts also made fewer errors (0.5 ± 0.10 vs 0.8 ± 0.11 errors, p <0.05), and achieved both a better EML (1.8 ± 0.6 vs 2.3 ± 0.9, p <0.05) and a better EMR (2.0 ± 0.1 vs 2.9 ± 0.21, p <0.05). In the target traversal task, the experts made fewer errors than the novices (2.2 ± 0.25 vs 4.6 ± 0.38 errors, p <0.05). For the manipulation and diathermy tasks, the expert group completed the task faster (30.8 ± 1.5 vs 39 ± 1.5 sec, p <0.05), made fewer errors (5.3 ± 0.59 vs 8.1 ± 0.63 errors, p <0.05), and had a better EML (6.0 ± 0.37 vs 7.2 ± 0.45, p <0.05) and EMR (4.3 ± 0.23 vs 5.8 ± 0.36, p <0.05) than the novices. Conclusion: A laparoscopic skills assessment device can discern levels of laparoscopic manipulative skill. This type of device can be used in surgical training to make objective assessments of the acquisition of laparoscopic skills.     

Reliable assessment of laparoscopic performance in the operating room using videotape analysis

The Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) is a valid assessment tool for objectively evaluating the technical performance of laparoscopic skills in surgery residents. We hypothesized that GOALS would reliably differentiate between an experienced (expert) and an inexperienced (novice) laparoscopic surgeon (construct validity) based on a blinded videotape review of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure. Ten board-certified surgeons actively engaged in the practice and teaching of laparoscopy reviewed and evaluated the videotaped operative performance of one novice and one expert laparoscopic surgeon using GOALS. Each reviewer recorded a score for both the expert and the novice videotape reviews in each of the 5 domains in GOALS (depth perception, bimanual dexterity, efficiency, tissue handling, and overall competence). The scores for the expert and the novice were compared and statistically analyzed using single-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA). The expert scored significantly higher than the novice did in the domains of depth perception (p = .005), bimanual dexterity (p = .001), efficiency (p = .001), and overall competence ( p = .001). Interrater reliability for the reviewers of the novice tape was Cronbach alpha = .93 and the expert tape was Cronbach alpha = .87. There was no difference between the two for tissue handling. The Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills is a valid, objective assessment tool for evaluating technical surgical performance when used to blindly evaluate an intraoperative videotape recording of a laparoscopic procedure.     

The influence of non-technical performance on technical outcome in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Introduction Evidence from other professions suggests that training in teamwork and general cognitive abilities, collectively described as non-technical skills, may reduce accidents and errors. The relationship between non-technical teamwork skills and technical errors was studied using a behavioural marker system validated in aviation and adapted for use in surgery. Method 26 elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies were observed. Simultaneous assessments were made of surgical technical errors, by observation clinical human reliability assessment (OCHRA) task analysis, and non-technical performance, using the surgical NOTECHS behavioural marker system. NOTECHS assesses four categories: (1) leadership and management, (2) teamwork cooperation, (3) problem-solving and decision-making, (4) situation awareness. Each subteam (nurses, surgeons and anaesthetists) was scored separately on each of the four dimensions. Two observers – one surgical trainee and one human factors expert – were used to assess intra-rater reliability. Results The mean NOTECHS team score was 35.5 (95% C.I. ± 1.88). The mean subteam scores for surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses were 13.3 (95% C.I. ± 0.64), 11.4 (95% C.I. ± 1.05), and 10.8 (95% C.I. ± 0.87), respectively, with a significant difference between surgeons and anaesthetists (U = 197, p = 0.009), and surgeons and nurses (U = 0.134, p ≤ 0.001). Inter-rater reliability was found to be strong (α = 0.88). There were between zero and six technical errors per operation, with a mean of 2.62 (95% C.I. ± 0.55), which were negatively correlated with the surgeons situational awareness scores (ρ = –0.718, p < 0.001). Conclusions Non-technical skills are an important component of surgical skill, particularly in relation to the development and maintenance of a surgeon’s situational awareness. Experience from other industries suggests that it may be possible to improve the ability of surgeons to manage their own situation awareness, through training, intraoperative briefings and intraoperative workload management. In the future, it may be possible to use non-technical performance as a surrogate measure for technical performance, either for early identification of surgical difficulties, or as a method of evaluation by which non-surgically trained observers.     

Two-port versus four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Two-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been reported to be safe and feasible. However, whether it offers any additional advantages remains controversial. This study reports a randomized trial that compared the clinical outcomes of two-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus conventional four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: One hundred and twenty consecutive patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to receive either the two-port or the four-port technique. All patients were blinded to the type of operation they underwent. Four surgical tapes were applied to standard four-port sites in both groups at the end of the operation. All dressings were kept intact until the first follow-up 1 week after surgery. Postoperative pain at the four sites was assessed on the first day after surgery using a 10-cm unscaled visual analog scale (VAS). Other outcome measures included analgesia requirements, length and difficulty of the operation, postoperative stay, and patient satisfaction score on surgery and scars. Results: Demographic data were comparable for both groups. Patients in the two-port group had shorter mean operative time (54.6 ± 24.7 min vs 66.9 ± 33.1 min for the four-post group; p = 0.03) and less pain at individual subcostal port sites [mean score using 10-cm unscaled VAS: 1.5 vs 2.8 (p = 0.01) at the midsubcostal port site and 1.3 vs 2.3 (p = 0.02) at the lateral subcostal port site]. Overall pain score, analgesia requirements, hospital stay, and patient satisfaction score on surgery and scars were similar between the two groups. Conclusion: Two-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy resulted in less individual port-site pain and similar clinical outcomes but fewer surgical scars compared to four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Thus, it can be recommended as a routine procedure in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Paper presented at the Fifth World Congress of the International Hepato-pancreato-biliary Association, Tokyo, Japan, April 2002     

Laparoscopic appendectomy as a teaching procedure: experiences with 1197 patients in a community hospital

Purpose

Since laparoscopic procedures have become more common, resident surgeons have to learn complex laparoscopic skills at an early stage of their career. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term clinical outcome parameters of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) performed by resident surgeons (RS) or attending surgeons (AS).

Methods

A total of 1197 LA and 57 open appendectomies were performed in a Swiss community hospital between 1999 and 2009. RS performed 684 operations. Parameters including the duration of the operation and hospital stay, intraoperative complications, surgical reinterventions, and a 30-day morbidity and mortality were observed.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 35.6?±?18.17?years. The duration of the operation was longer (61.34?±?25.73?min [RS] vs. 53.65?±?29.89 [AS]?min; p?=?0.0001), but the hospital stay was shorter, in patients treated by RS (3.92?±?2.61?days [RS] vs. 4.87?±?3.23 [AS]?days; p?=?0.0001). The rate of intraoperative complications was not significantly different between the two groups (1.02?% [RS] vs. 0.8?% [AS]; p?=?0.6). The need for surgical reintervention (0.6?% [RS] vs. 2.5?% [AS]; p?=?0.005) and the 30-day morbidity were higher in patients treated by AS (3.7?% [AS] vs. 1.8?% [RS]; p?=?0.04). There was no postoperative mortality.

Conclusions

Under appropriate supervision, surgical residents are able to perform LA with results comparable to those of experienced surgeons.     

Proficiency training on a virtual reality robotic surgical skills curriculum

Introduction

The clinical application of robotic surgery is increasing. The skills necessary to perform robotic surgery are unique from those required in open and laparoscopic surgery. A validated laparoscopic surgical skills curriculum (Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery or FLS?) has transformed the way surgeons acquire laparoscopic skills. There is a need for a similar skills training and assessment tool for robotic surgery. Our research group previously developed and validated a robotic training curriculum in a virtual reality (VR) simulator. We hypothesized that novice robotic surgeons could achieve proficiency levels defined by more experienced robotic surgeons on the VR robotic curriculum, and that this would result in improved performance on the actual daVinci Surgical System?.

Methods

25 medical students with no prior robotic surgery experience were recruited. Prior to VR training, subjects performed 2 FLS tasks 3 times each (Peg Transfer, Intracorporeal Knot Tying) using the daVinci Surgical System? docked to a video trainer box. Task performance for the FLS tasks was scored objectively. Subjects then practiced on the VR simulator (daVinci Skills Simulator) until proficiency levels on all 5 tasks were achieved before completing a post-training assessment of the 2 FLS tasks on the daVinci Surgical System? in the video trainer box.

Results

All subjects to complete the study (1 dropped out) reached proficiency levels on all VR tasks in an average of 71 (± 21.7) attempts, accumulating 164.3 (± 55.7) minutes of console training time. There was a significant improvement in performance on the robotic FLS tasks following completion of the VR training curriculum.

Conclusions

Novice robotic surgeons are able to attain proficiency levels on a VR simulator. This leads to improved performance in the daVinci surgical platform on simulated tasks. Training to proficiency on a VR robotic surgery simulator is an efficient and viable method for acquiring robotic surgical skills.     

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

Background: The timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis remains controversial. Methods: One hundred ninety-four patients with acute cholecystitis were reviewed. The conversion rates for the various number of days of symptoms before surgery were analyzed. The conversion rate dramatically increased from 3.6% for those patients with 4 days of symptoms to 26% for those patients with 5 days of symptoms. The mean number of days of symptoms prior to surgery in those patients who underwent successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 4.1 as compared to 8.0 in those patients who required open cholecystectomy (p < 0.0001). Based on this data the patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 109 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 4 days of onset of symptoms and group 2 consisted of 85 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy after more than 4 days following onset of symptoms. Results: The conversion rate from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy was 15%. The conversion rate for group 1 was 1.8% as compared to 31.7% for group 2 (p < 0.0001). Indications for conversion were inability to identify the anatomy secondary to inflammatory adhesions (68%), cholecystoduodenal fistula (18%), and bleeding (14%). The major complication rate for group 1 was 2.7% as compared to 13% for group 2 (p= 0.007). The mortality rate for all patients with attempted laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis was 1.5%. The average procedure time for group 1 was 100 ± 37 min vs 120 ± 55 min in group 2. The average number of postoperative hospital days in group 1 was 5.5 ± 2.7 days as compared to 10.8 ± 2.7 days in group 2. Conclusions: We advocate early laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 4 days of onset of symptoms to decrease major complications and conversion rates. This decreased conversion rate results in decreased length of procedure and hospital stay. Received: 28 March 1996/Accepted: 12 September 1996     

Surgeons' expertise during critical event in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: An expert-novice comparison using protocol analysis

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to examine differences in thought processes between novice and experienced surgeons when they were presented with a critical situation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.MethodsA group of experienced and novice surgeons were shown a recording of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy with an intraoperative bleeding event. The think-aloud method was used to capture surgeons’ thought processes. Verbal reports were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using the protocol analysis method.ResultsSixteen subjects (8 in each group) participated at two centers. Experienced surgeons demonstrated deeper comprehension of the operative field, richer mental image of future events and superior awareness of potentially dangerous situations. They also spent more time engaged in metacognitive activity.ConclusionsThis study highlights the differences and similarities between surgeons with different levels of experience during a challenging intraoperative encounter. The domains of cognition and mental image as well as metacognition appear to be key elements of surgical expertise.     

Prevention of bile duct injury: the case for incorporating educational theories of expertise

Background

Over 700,000 laparoscopic cholecystectomies are performed yearly in the US. Despite multiple advantages of laparoscopic surgery, the increased rate of bile duct injury (BDI) compared to the traditional, open approach to cholecystectomy remains problematic. Due to the seriousness of bile duct injury, the time has come for an aggressive educational campaign to better train laparoscopic surgeons in order to reduce the incidence of this life-threatening and expensive complication.

Methods

We performed a literature review of what is currently known about the causes of bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Based on these reviews, we identified educational theories of expertise that may be relevant in understanding variable rates of BDI between surgeons. Finally, we applied educational theories of expertise to the problem of BDI in laparoscopic cholecystectomy to propose how to develop and design an effective educational approach for the prevention of BDI.

Results

Multiple studies demonstrate that the primary causes of BDI during laparoscopic cholecystectomy are non-technical. Additionally, there exists a learning curve in which the rates of BDI are higher in a surgeon’s earlier cases compared to later cases and that some surgeons perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy with significantly fewer injuries than others. Educational theories indicate that interventions that optimize novice to expert development require (1) revealing expert knowledge to novices and (2) scaffolding the mental habits of expert-like learners.

Conclusions

BDI is an appropriate target for the application of educational theories of expertise. Designing better educational interventions for the prevention of BDI will require uncovering the hidden knowledge of expert surgeons and incorporating the processes of reinvestment and progressive problem solving that are inherent to expert performance.     

Stratification for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: In a former retrospective study in our clinic, an improvement in patient care was observed after the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to verify whether this improvement could be maintained or even be further improved. Methods: Retrospective evaluation of all patients who underwent an elective cholecystectomy due to symptomatic cholelithiasis. We compared the results of 1992, the year of the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 1993, the year that laparoscopic cholecystectomy became standard procedure. Also we compared specialized with general surgeons. Results: In comparison with 1992 more elective cholecystectomies were performed in 1993 (162 vs 211). In 1993 there were more primary laparoscopic procedures (86 vs 93%) but due to an increase in conversion rate in 1993 (2.5 vs 10%) the overall number of open procedures remained comparable (17 vs 16%). In 1993 there was an increase in cholecystectomies by general surgeons (56 vs 72%). The general surgeons almost doubled their conversion rate in 1993 (6 vs 13%) while that of the specialized surgeons remained comparable (0 vs 2%). Morbidity and mortality remained comparable between 1992 and 1993 and between specialized and general surgeons. Conclusions: The quality of patient care has not significantly been altered. An improvement could be made if more laparoscopic operations were performed by specialized surgeons, but this would negatively interfere with the working methods of a general hospital. Therefore we suggest stratification: Certain patients, as high-risk patients, preferably should be operated on by specialized surgeons, while routine operations could be performed by general surgeons.     

Training current and future robotic surgeons simultaneously: initial experiences with safety and efficiency

Robotic surgery is experiencing a rapidly-increasing presence in the field of general surgery. The adoption of any new technology carries the challenge of training current and future surgeons in a safe and effective manner. We report our experience with the initiation of a robotic general surgery program at an academic institution while simultaneously incorporating surgical trainees. The initial procedure performed was robotic-assisted cholecystectomy (RAC). Concurrent with the introduction of a robotic general surgical program, our institution implemented a progressive surgical trainee curriculum for all active residents and fellows. Immediately after being credentialed to perform RAC, attending surgeons began incorporating surgical trainees into robotic procedures. We retrospectively reviewed our first 50 RACs and compared them with our previous 50 standard laparoscopic cholecystectomies (SLC) to determine the impact of rapid integration of surgical trainees on developing technologies. Despite new technology and novice surgeons, there was no difference in mean operative time between the SLC and RAC groups (75.3 vs. 84.1 min, p = 0.077). Two patients in the robotic-assisted group required intraoperative conversion. Hospital length of stay was similar between groups, with the majority of patients leaving the same day. There were no postoperative complications in either group. A robotic general surgery program can be initiated while concurrently instructing surgical trainees on robotic surgery in a safe and efficient manner. We report our initial experience with the adoption of this rapidly advancing technology and describe our training model.     

Objective evaluation of expert and novice performance during robotic surgical training tasks

Background  Robotic laparoscopic surgery has revolutionized minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of abdominal pathologies. However, current training techniques rely on subjective evaluation. The authors sought to identify objective measures of robotic surgical performance by comparing novices and experts during three training tasks. Methods  Five novices (medical students) were trained in three tasks with the da Vinci Surgical System. Five experts trained in advanced laparoscopy also performed the three tasks. Time to task completion (TTC), total distance traveled (D), speed (S), curvature (κ), and relative phase (Φ) were measured. Results  Before training, TTC, D, and κ were significantly smaller for experts than for novices (p < 0.05), whereas S was significantly larger for experts than for novices before training (p < 0.05). Novices performed significantly better after training, as shown by smaller TTC, D, and κ, and larger S. Novice performance after training approached expert performance. Conclusion  This study clearly demonstrated the ability of objective kinematic measures to distinguish between novice and expert performance and training effects in the performance of robotic surgical training tasks.