Golahmadi AK, Khan DZ, Mylonas GP, Marcus HJ. Tool-tissue forces in surgery: A systematic review.
Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2021;
65:102268. [PMID:
33898035 PMCID:
PMC8058906 DOI:
10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102268]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Excessive tool-tissue interaction forces often result in tissue damage and intraoperative complications, while insufficient forces prevent the completion of the task. This review sought to explore the tool-tissue interaction forces exerted by instruments during surgery across different specialities, tissues, manoeuvres and experience levels.
Materials & methods
A PRISMA-guided systematic review was carried out using Embase, Medline and Web of Science databases.
Results
Of 462 articles screened, 45 studies discussing surgical tool-tissue forces were included. The studies were categorized into 9 different specialities with the mean of average forces lowest for ophthalmology (0.04N) and highest for orthopaedic surgery (210N). Nervous tissue required the least amount of force to manipulate (mean of average: 0.4N), whilst connective tissue (including bone) required the most (mean of average: 45.8). For manoeuvres, drilling recorded the highest forces (mean of average: 14N), whilst sharp dissection recorded the lowest (mean of average: 0.03N). When comparing differences in the mean of average forces between groups, novices exerted 22.7% more force than experts, and presence of a feedback mechanism (e.g. audio) reduced exerted forces by 47.9%.
Conclusions
The measurement of tool-tissue forces is a novel but rapidly expanding field. The range of forces applied varies according to surgical speciality, tissue, manoeuvre, operator experience and feedback provided. Knowledge of the safe range of surgical forces will improve surgical safety whilst maintaining effectiveness. Measuring forces during surgery may provide an objective metric for training and assessment. Development of smart instruments, robotics and integrated feedback systems will facilitate this.
This review explores tool-tissue forces during surgery, a new and expanding field.
Forces were lowest in ophthalmology (0.04N) and highest in orthopaedics (210N).
Forces were lowest during sharp dissection (0.03N) and highest when drilling (14N).
Being an expert (vs. novice) and having feedback mechanisms (e.g. haptic) reduced exerted forces.
Development of force metrics will facilitate training, assessment & novel technology.
Collapse