Criterion-based training with surgical simulators: proficiency of experienced surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: In our effort to establish criterion-based skills training for surgeons, we assessed the performance of 17 experienced laparoscopic surgeons on basic technical surgical skills recorded electronically in 26 modules selected in 5 commercially available, computer-based simulators. METHODS: Performance data were derived from selected surgeons randomly assigned to simulator stations, and practicing repetitively during one and one-half day sessions on 5 different simulators. We measured surgeon proficiency defined as efficient, error-free performance and developed proficiency score formulas for each module. Demographic and opinion data were also collected. RESULTS: Surgeons' performance demonstrated a sharp learning curve with the most performance improvement seen in early practice attempts. Median scores and performance levels at the 10th, 25th, 75th, and 90th percentiles are provided for each module. Construct validity was examined for 2 modules by comparing experienced surgeons' performance with that of a convenience sample of less-experienced surgeons. CONCLUSION: A simple mathematical method for scoring performance is applicable to these simulators. Proficiency levels for training courses can now be specified objectively by residency directors and by professional organizations for different levels of training or post-training assessment of technical performance. But data users should be cautious due to the small sample size in this study and the need for further study into the reliability and validity of the use of surgical simulators as assessment tools.     

The cost of surgical training: analysis of operative time for laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background

Duration of surgery is a main cost factor of surgical training. The purpose of this analysis of operative times for laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) was to quantify the extra time and related costs in regards to the surgeons’ experience in the operating room (OR).

Methods

All LC performed between January 01, 2005 and December 31, 2008 in 46 hospitals reporting to the database of the Swiss Association for Quality Management in Surgery (AQC) were analyzed (n?=?10,010). Four levels of seniority were specified: resident (R), junior consultant (JC), senior consultant (SC), and attending surgeon (AS). The differences in operative time according to seniority were investigated in a multivariable log-linear and median regression analysis controlling for possible confounders. The OR costs were calculated by using a full cost rate in a teaching hospital.

Results

A total of 9,208 LC were available for analysis; 802 had to be excluded due to missing data (n?=?212) or secondary major operations (n?=?590). Twenty-eight percent of the LC were performed by R as teaching operations (n?=?2,591). Compared with R, the multivariable analysis of operative time showed a median difference of ?2.5?min (?9.0; 4.8) for JC and ?18?min (?25; ?11) for SC and ?28?min (?35; ?10) for AS, respectively. The OR minute costs were €17.57, resulting in incremental costs of €492 (159; 615) per operation in case of tutorial assistance.

Conclusions

The proportion of LC performed as tutorial assistance for R remains low. Surgical training in the OR causes relevant case-related extra time and therefore costs.     

Participants' opinions of laparoscopic training devices after a basic laparoscopic training course

BACKGROUND: Basic laparoscopic skills are initially best taught and practiced in an inanimate setting. Various devices are used to aid in this education of laparoscopic skills. These devices range from simple box trainers to sophisticated virtual reality trainers. This investigation tested the hypothesis that participants would prefer one trainer to another trainer. METHODS: Preclinical medical students volunteered for this study. All underwent a porcine laboratory. The students were then divided into 3 groups by method of training: group A--a virtual reality trainer (MIST-VR), group B--an inanimate box trainer (LTS 2000), and group C--both trainers. Each group participated in 10 laboratories with the assigned trainer(s). After completion of the laboratories, all students underwent a similar porcine laboratory. During this laboratory, opinions of each trainer and specific tasks were ascertained from each student. RESULTS: No statistical difference was seen between groups A and B when asked if their specific trainer helped their skills, was realistic, helped in the animal laboratory, and was interesting. When group C was asked the same questions about each trainer, no statistical difference was seen except that 47% thought the MIST-VR was not realistic as opposed to 0% who thought the LTS 2000 was not realistic (P <.003). The level of difficulty of each task correlated with how much the specific task helped in development of skills for both trainers (P <.0001). In group C, 89% of the participants thought the LTS 2000 helped more that the MIST-VR and 56% thought the LTS 2000 was more interesting than the MIST-VR. In addition, 83% of students in group C chose LTS 2000 when asked to pick only one trainer. CONCLUSIONS: While virtual reality trainers may have some advantages, most participants feel that inanimate box trainers help more, are more interesting, and should be chosen over virtual reality trainers if only one trainer is allowed. Further studies need to investigate if the opinions affect participants' utilization of these trainers.     

Single-incision total laparoscopic hysterectomy

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is an alternative to conventional multiport laparoscopy. Single-access laparoscopy using a transumbilical port affords maximum cosmetic benefits because the surgical incision is hidden in the umbilicus. The advantages of single-access laparoscopic surgery may include less bleeding, infection, and hernia formation and better cosmetic outcome and less pain. The disadvantages and limitations include longer surgery time, difficulty in learning the technique, and the need for specialized instruments. Ongoing refinement of the surgical technique and instrumentation is likely to expand its role in gynecologic surgery in the future. We perform single-incision total laparoscopic hysterectomy using three ports in the single transumbilical incision.     

Single-incision laparoscopic total colectomy

Background and Objectives:

To present our experience with a single-incision laparoscopic total colectomy, along with a literature review of all published cases on single-incision laparoscopic total colectomy.

Methods:

A total of 22 cases were published between 2010 and 2011, with our patient being case 23. These procedures were performed in the United States and United Kingdom. Surgical procedures included total colectomy with end ileostomy, proctocolectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, and total proctocolectomy with ileopouch-anal anastomosis. Intraoperative and postoperative data are analyzed.

Results:

Twenty-two of the 23 cases were performed for benign cases including Crohns, ulcerative colitis, and familial adenomatous polyposis. One case was performed for adenocarcinoma of the cecum. The mean age was 35.3 years (range, 13 to 64), the mean body mass index was 20.1 (range, 19 to 25), mean operative time was 175.9 minutes (range, 139 to 216), mean blood loss was 95.3mL (range, 59 to 200), mean incision length was 2.61cm (range, 2 to 3). Average follow-up was 4.6 months with 2 reported complications.

Conclusions:

Single-incision laparoscopic total colectomy is feasible and safe in the hands of an experienced surgeon. It has been performed for both benign and malignant cases. It is comparable to the conventional multi-port laparoscopic total colectomy.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic total gastrectomy

Although the standard method to manage gastric cancer is still radical gastrectomy, minimally invasive surgery is of great interest in early gastric cancer because of its potential impact on improving the quality of life, if the disease is curable. With its degree of technical difficulty, laparoscopic total gastrectomy has not yet met with widespread acceptance. However, using a hand-access device, a total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy with a D1 plus alpha lymph node dissection and omentectomy with an Ultrashear was performed in its entirety. The operation took 6 hours, and the blood loss was 500 mL. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on the 16th postoperative day. In terms of recovery and quality of life, laparoscopic total gastrectomy is a technically feasible and reasonable option for the management of early gastric cancer in the proximal stomach, especially when an endoscopic mucosal resection is not indicated.     

Mechanical consequences of short gastric vessel division at the time of laparoscopic total fundoplication

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is currently the most commonly practiced antireflux operation. Some adverse consequences of the operation remain in the form of mechanical side effects, labeled postfundoplication complaints, of which dysphagia and gas bloat seem to predominate. Measures have been suggested to counteract some of these and one frequently advocated has been division of the short gastric vessels to create a short-floppy wrap. The advantages of this are still debated, particularly in the long-term perspective. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mechanical consequences of dividing all short gastric vessels at the time of a laparoscopic total fundoplication. Ninety-nine patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were originally allocated on a random basis to have either all short gastric vessels divided or left intact at the time of a laparoscopic total fundoplication. A subsample of these patients, again selected at random, were recruited for a comprehensive manometric investigation 1 year after the operation. In this cohort, 12 patients had all short gastrics divided and in 12 patients, the wrap was done with intact vessels by use of the anterior portion of the fundus. Manometry was carried out by the use of a sleeve sensor to straddle the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and gastric distension (750 ml air) was used to trigger transient LES relaxations (TLESR). The basal LES tone was similar in the two groups (14.2 ± 2.4 and 18.8 ± 4.3, mean ± SE), respectively. Accordingly, all other relevant manometric variables were equal when the two groups were compared, except for the total number of TLESRs (triggered by gastric distension by air) that were significantly higher (p < 0.02) in patients having their short gastric vessels intact. Consequently, numerically more common cavities were recorded in the latter group. Very similar outcomes in terms of motor function of the LES and esophageal body were observed after a total fundoplication irrespective of whether a complete division of all gastric vessels had been carried out or not. However, after gastric distension with air, more TLESRs were recorded in the latter group suggesting a better maintained ability to vent air from the stomach.     

Incidence of lower urinary tract injury at the time of total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of and risk factors for injury to the lower urinary tract during total laparoscopic hysterectomy. METHODS: All patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign disease from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2005, at an academic medical center are included. Subjects undergoing laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, supracervical hysterectomy, or hysterectomy for malignancy were excluded. Intraoperative cystoscopy with intravenous indigo carmine was routinely performed. Relevant data were abstracted to determine the incidence of lower urinary tract injury, predictors of injury, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Total laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed in 126 consecutive subjects. Two (1.6%) cystotomies were noted and repaired before cystoscopy was performed. Two (1.6%) additional cystotomies were detected during cystoscopy. Absent ureteral spill of indigo carmine was detected in 2 subjects: 1 (0.8%) with previously unknown renal disease and 1 (0.8%) with ureteral obstruction that was relieved with subsequent suture removal. Only 40% (2/5) of injuries were recognized without the use of cystoscopy with indigo carmine. The overall incidence of injury to the lower urinary tract was 4.0%. No subjects required postoperative intervention to the lower urinary tract within the 6-week perioperative period. Performing a ureterolysis was associated with an increased rate (odds ratio 8.7, 95%CI, 1.2-170, P=0.024) of lower urinary tract injury. CONCLUSION: Surgeons should consider performing cystoscopy with intravenous indigo carmine dye at the time of total laparoscopic hysterectomy.     

48例腹腔镜下膀胱全切除-原位回肠新膀胱术后的自主排尿训练指导

目的探讨系统新膀胱功能训练在腹腔镜下膀胱全切除一原位回肠新膀胱术后自主排尿功能恢复的效果。方法对48例腹腔镜下行全膀胱切除一原位回肠新膀胱术的膀胱癌患者．术后进行系统新膀胱功能训练,包括：贮尿、控尿、排尿三种功能训练。结果术后随访1—36个月,本组48例患者中发生夜间尿失禁8例,发生率为0．16％,经过及时治疗和指导,全部恢复规律自主排尿。结论原位回肠新膀胱术后进行系统新膀胱功能训练,可使患者尽快经尿道正常排尿,有利于其社会心理的维护和生活质量的提高。     

Proficiency-based virtual reality training significantly reduces the error rate for residents during their first 10 laparoscopic cholecystectomies

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) training has been shown previously to improve intraoperative performance during part of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of proficiency-based VR training on the outcome of the first 10 entire cholecystectomies performed by novices. METHODS: Thirteen laparoscopically inexperienced residents were randomized to either (1) VR training until a predefined expert level of performance was reached, or (2) the control group. Videotapes of each resident's first 10 procedures were reviewed independently in a blinded fashion and scored for predefined errors. RESULTS: The VR-trained group consistently made significantly fewer errors (P = .0037). On the other hand, residents in the control group made, on average, 3 times as many errors and used 58% longer surgical time. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that training on the VR simulator to a level of proficiency significantly improves intraoperative performance during a resident's first 10 laparoscopic cholecystectomies.     

Advanced laparoscopic training and outcomes in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background

Advanced laparoscopic training is becoming a valuable asset for surgeons as more procedures are carried out in a minimally invasive fashion. The purpose of our study was to determine whether laparoscopic fellowship training affects outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.

Methods

We obtained data from a retrospective review of 110 patients with acute cholecystitis who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy on an urgent basis from March 2002 to June 2005. We compared the outcomes of 31 patients whose surgeries were performed by a surgeon with advanced laparoscopic training with those of 79 patients whose surgeries were performed by surgeons without such training.

Results

The 2 groups were similar in terms of demographics and time to surgery. Outcome measures included conversion rates, postoperative length of stay (LOS) and complications. There was a significant difference in conversion rates (3.2 % v. 16.5 %, p = 0.050) and postoperative LOS (1.77 v. 2.82 d, p < 0.006) between the 2 groups, but there was no difference in the rate of postoperative complications. There was no significant difference in conversion rates among the surgeons without advanced training (p = 0.64).

Conclusion

Based on our results, laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis is associated with improved outcomes when performed by a surgeon with fellowship training in laparoscopic surgery.     

全腹腔镜根治性全胃切除术

34岁女性胃体腺癌患者,拟行全腹腔镜根治性全胃切除术。患者取平仰卧位,主刀位于患者左侧。腹腔镜下探查肿瘤位于胃体,无腹腔种植转移。游离大网膜及横结肠系膜前叶,向左达脾下极,向右达结肠肝曲。继续游离、夹闭、离断胃左右动静脉、胃网膜左右动静脉、胃短动脉、胃后动脉,清扫NO.1～NO.11,NO.12a,NO.12p,NO.14v组淋巴结。幽门远端3 cm离断十二指肠。腔镜下游离小肠系膜,距屈氏韧带20cm处切割闭合离断空肠,远端上提,使用overlap技术完成食道空肠的侧侧吻合,连续缝合关闭共同开口。据此吻合口远端40 cm处行近端空肠远端空肠的侧侧吻合,连续缝合关闭共同开口。检查吻合口对合良好。冲洗术野,腹腔镜下放置腹腔引流管。     

全腹腔镜胰十二指肠切除术的预后研究

目的探讨影响全腹腔镜胰十二指肠切除术(TLPD)患者预后的危险因素。方法回顾性选取2016年8月至2018年10月行TLPD术的57例壶腹周围癌患者临床资料。采用统计软件SPSS 20.0进行数据分析,计量资料采用(x±s)表示,组间比较行上检验;计数资料采用例(%)表示,组间比较行χ² 检验。采用K-M法绘制生存曲线分析患者术后生存情况;采用COX回归多因素分析影响TLPD术患者预后生存的独立危险因素。P<0.05为差异有统计学意义。结果57例患者术后均获得随访,中位随访时间为31个月,K-M生存曲线分析显示术后累积生存率为47.4%。单因素分析中有意义因素行COX回归多因素分析,结果显示临床T分期、淋巴结转移、脉管癌栓是影响TLPD患者预后生存的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。结论临床T分期、淋巴结转移、脉管癌栓是影响TLPD患者预后生存的独立危险因素,术前进行早期诊断及干预、治疗有望改善患者预后生存。     

Acetazolamide reduces postoperative pain following laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy

Background

Carbonic acid accumulation, which results from CO₂ insufflation, can produce visceral and referred pain in the postoperative setting. Acetazolamide inhibits carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme that accelerates carbonic acid formation. We hypothesized that preoperative administration of acetazolamide would decrease postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent laparoscopic preperitoneal inguinal herniorrhaphy at the Medical College of Wisconsin between October 2012 and September 2014. Beginning in January 2014, patients began receiving 250 mg of acetazolamide preoperatively; patients prior to that time did not. The visual analog scale (range 0–10) was used to assess both preoperative pain and postoperative pain.

Results

A total of 66 patients underwent laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy during the study interval. Of these, 22 (33 %) patients received acetazolamide preoperatively, and 44 (67 %) were included as controls. Overall mean pain scores were lower in the acetazolamide group (1.9 ± 1.45 vs 2.9 ± 1.5, p = 0.04). Specifically, patients who received acetazolamide reported lower pain scores immediately after surgery (0.6 ± 1.2 vs 1.9 ± 2.3, p = 0.01) and on post-op day one (2.3 ± 0.9 vs 4.0 ± 2.1, p = 0.04). Total morphine equivalents administered to manage postoperative pain were significantly less for the acetazolamide group (4.3 ± 4.8 mg) when compared to the control group (8.9 ± 8.4 mg), p = 0.04. Perioperative complications did not differ between the groups (p = 0.16).

Conclusions

Acetazolamide appears to reduce pain in the immediate postoperative setting. Patients who received acetazolamide had lower pain scores postoperatively and required fewer narcotics for pain management prior to discharge.

     

Criterion-based rehabilitation program after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Traditional rehabilitation protocols consist of a progression of exercises and functional activities based on timeframes that serve as strict guidelines for physical therapists and athletic trainers. Patients who have undergone reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament are guided through the process via written schedule which often overlooks their ability to master basic functional activities, such as walking. Basic science and joint kinematics certainly cannot be ignored when designing a rehabilitation program. Understanding tissue healing and the effects of exercise of soft-tissue integrity can enable the physical therapist or athletic trainer to safely and efficiently restore function to each patient. A rehabilitation program guided by criteria achievement based on patient presentation, and with respect to the healing soft-tissue structures, may be a more effective and successful means of returning an athlete or worker to their desired activity.     

Dexamethasone reduces nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

We have evaluated the antiemetic effect of i.v. dexamethasone compared with saline in the prevention of nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We studied 90 patients requiring general anaesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The dexamethasone group (n = 45) received dexamethasone 8 mg i.v. and the saline group received saline 2 ml i.v. at induction of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. We found that 10% of patients in the dexamethasone group compared with 34% in the saline group reported vomiting (P < 0.05). Of note, the total incidence of nausea and vomiting was 23% in the dexamethasone group and 63% in the saline group (P < 0.001). We conclude that dexamethasone 8 mg significantly decreased the incidence of nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.      

Neuroanatomical correlates of laparoscopic surgery training

Background

Better understanding of the brain regions involved in performing laparoscopic surgery is likely to provide important insights for improving laparoscopic training and assessment in the future. To our knowledge, this is the first study using real Fundamentals of Laparoscopy Training (FLS)-based laparoscopic surgery training tasks in the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) environment to provide extensive characterization of the brain regions involved in this specific task execution.

Methods

Nine right-handed subjects practiced five FLS-modified laparoscopic surgery-training tasks with a training box for ten sessions in a simulated fMRI environment. Following the last practice session, they underwent 3 T fMRI while performing each task.

Results

An increase in the extent of brain activation was observed as the complexity of the tasks increased. Activation in the precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and premotor regions was observed in the performance of all tasks, whereas the superior parietal lobe (SPL) was activated in the more complex tasks. The mean score and brain activation for performance with the dominant hand were larger than those observed during performance with the non-dominant hand.

Conclusions

Performing more complex tasks requires higher visual spatial ability and motor planning. Given the need for ambidextrous skills during laparoscopic tasks, the finding that lower scores and smaller brain recruitment occurred in executing tasks with the non-dominant hand than with the dominant hand suggests designing future training tasks to train the non-dominant hand more effectively. This may serve to improve overall performance in bi-manual tasks. Studies of this kind may facilitate the evidence-based development of strategies to improve the quality of laparoscopy training and assessment.