Initial Experience with Surgical Telementoring in Pediatric Laparoscopic Surgery Using Remote Presence Technology

Abstract

While this is a limited series, the initial evaluation of this remote presence technology in the operating room suggests that it may be extremely usefully in adding surgical experience and expertise in minimally invasive surgery.

“Orthobot, to your station!” The application of the remote presence robotic system in orthopaedic surgery in Ireland: a pilot study on patient and nursing staff satisfaction

“…On the contrary, literature suggests otherwise with early studies of the use of remote critical care physicians for ICUs managed by internists demonstrating a considerable improvement in measurable patient data [8][9][10]. And, as already mentioned in the Introduction, the application of the RPRS has also been used in medical training and education [1,2], for management of stroke patients [3,4], urologic surgeries [5], and paediatric laparoscopic surgeries [6], and for clinical outreach [5,7], to name just a few. The provision of specialist care to patients in remote areas who would otherwise have these services unavailable to them only dispels the myth that it increases barriers to appropriate medical care [11].…”

“…As defined by the INTOUCH HEALTH RP-7 Reference Manual, ''The Remote Presence Robotic System (RPRS) is a mobile, robotic telecommunications platform that enables an individual to ''be in two places at once''.'' The RPRS has been applied in medical training and education [1,2], for management of stroke patients [3,4], urologic surgeries [5], and paediatric laparoscopic surgeries [6], and for clinical outreach [5,7], to name just a few. However, its usefulness in the field of orthopaedic surgery has not been described.…”

Safe Introduction of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Even in Remote Areas of the World: The Value of a Comprehensive Telementoring Training Program

“…The ability to convert and complete the procedure by conventional means is thus presupposed. 25 A checklist for telementoring surgical procedures for the mentees is detailed in Table 2.…”

Transcontinental Telementoring with Pediatric Surgeons: Proof of Concept and Technical Considerations

“…Multiple telementoring technology options have been explored by us and other groups. 5,10,11 In this study, we present six pediatric surgical procedures successfully performed by various trainees under the guidance of expert pediatric surgeons with two different telepresence devices. In the first case of a video-assisted thoracic surgery lower lobectomy, we used a lower-cost solution via store-bought equipment and a Skype connection, which allowed direct connection from the laparoscopic camera and the Webcam in the operating room to the remote mentor located in his office in another city.…”

“…2,3 Although telementoring has been shown to flatten the laparoscopic learning curve in many fields, 4 it has been slower to gain widespread use in the field of pediatric surgery, with only one previously published study to date. 5 One of the biggest obstacles to the implementation of telementoring programs is the coordination of proper telecommunication systems. Here, we discuss our evaluation of two different technologies used by pediatric surgeons in 6 cases of transcontinental telementoring.…”