The learning curve for hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy: a single surgeon’s experience

Cumulative Sum Analysis of the Operator Learning Curve for Robot-Assisted Mayo Clinic Level I-IV Inferior Vena Cava Thrombectomy Associated with Renal Carcinoma: A Study of 120 Cases at a Single Center

Background

This study aimed to use cumulative sum analysis of the operator learning curve for robot-assisted Mayo Clinic level I–IV inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy associated with renal carcinoma, and describes the development of an optimized operative procedure at a single center.

Material/Methods

A retrospective study included 120 patients with Mayo Clinic level I–IV IVC thrombus who underwent robotic surgery between 2013 and 2018. Points in the learning curve were identified using cumulative sum analysis, and their impact was assessed by multiple regression analysis. Perioperative indicators analyzed included operative time, estimated blood loss, early complications, and the 90-day progression rate.

Results

Cumulative sum analysis identified three phases in the learning curve of robot-assisted IVC thrombectomy. The median operative time decreased from 265 min (range, 212–401 min) to 207 min (range, 146–276 min) (p=0.003), the median estimated blood loss decreased from 775 ml (range, 413–1500 ml) to 300 ml (range, 163–813 ml) (p=0.006), and the early complication rate decreased from 52.5% to 15.0% (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that for an initial 40 cases and a further 80 cases, the learning phase, the affected side, the Mayo Clinic level, and the surgical method were independent factors that affected operative time, estimated blood loss, and the rate of early complications.

Conclusions

Experience from an initial 40 cases and a further 80 cases of Mayo Clinic level I–IV IVC thrombectomy associated with renal carcinoma were found to provide acceptable surgical and clinical outcomes.

Colorectal surgeons should be open to modern surgical technologies for challenging cases

Today, colorectal surgeons globally are practicing in an exciting era where surgical technologies are constantly emerging. Most of these cutting-edge technologies are readily available in Australia and New Zealand at present. Thus the 'modern surgeon' should always be defined by this open-minded attitude towards these new and emerging surgical technologies. This review article highlights current modalities that we have been using in our north-Brisbane public and private hospitals for cases predicted to be technically challenging using minimally invasive approaches for most of them. We examined the current evidence regarding the following modalities and critiqued their use in clinical practice: lighted ureteric stents, minimally invasive surgery approaches of laparoscopy and robotic surgery, pressure barrier insufflation devices, 3D camera systems, hand-assist device ports and indocyanine green dye fluorescence angiography. The objective of this review paper is to alert colorectal surgeons to new surgical technologies available to them, to encourage colorectal surgeons' familiarization with these many technologies, and to support evidence-based consideration for the clinical use of such. These technologies should be supplemental aides to the safe, oncologically adequate and efficient operation that they already routinely perform.

What to consider when designing a laparoscopic colorectal training curriculum: a review of the literature

Multiple studies have demonstrated the benefits of laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS), but in several countries it has still not been widely adopted. LCS training is associated with several challenges, such as patient safety concerns and a steep learning curve. Current evidence may facilitate designing of efficient training curricula to overcome these challenges. Basic training with virtual reality simulators has witnessed meteoric advances and may be essential during the early parts of the learning curve. Cadaveric and animal model training still constitutes an indispensable training tool, due to a higher degree of difficulty and greater resemblance to real operative conditions. In addition, recent evidence favors the use of novel training paradigms, such as proficiency-based training, case selection and modular training. This review summarizes the recent advances in LCS training and provides the evidence for designing an efficient training curriculum to overcome the challenges of LCS training.

Surgical skills: Can learning curves be computed from recordings of surgical activities?

PURPOSE

Surgery is one of the riskiest and most important medical acts that are performed today. The need to improve patient outcomes and surgeon training, and to reduce the costs of surgery, has motivated the equipment of operating rooms with sensors that record surgical interventions. The richness and complexity of the data that are collected call for new methods to support computer-assisted surgery. The aim of this paper is to support the monitoring of junior surgeons learning their surgical skill sets.

METHODS

Our method is fully automatic and takes as input a series of surgical interventions each represented by a low-level recording of all activities performed by the surgeon during the intervention (e.g., cut the skin with a scalpel). Our method produces a curve describing the process of standardization of the behavior of junior surgeons. Given the fact that junior surgeons receive constant feedback from senior surgeons during surgery, these curves can be directly interpreted as learning curves.

RESULTS

Our method is assessed using the behavior of a junior surgeon in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery over his first three years after residency. They revealed the ability of the method to accurately represent the surgical skill evolution. We also showed that the learning curves can be computed by phases allowing a finer evaluation of the skill progression.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary results suggest that our approach constitutes a useful addition to surgical training monitoring.

The Learning Curve in Surgical Practice and Its Applicability to Rhinoplasty

The learning curve as a concept has been considered, discussed and debated in medical education and healthcare for over two decades. The precise usage has been recognised in surgical disciplines both broad specialties and sub-specialties. Rollin Daniel in his book stated that, rhinoplasty is the most difficult of all cosmetic operations for three reasons, (a) nasal anatomy is highly variable, (b) the procedure must correct form and function and (c) the final result must meet the patients expectations. With this in mind a study was carried on the perception of learning curve in rhinoplasty based on a surgeon questionnaire at Marien Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany under Prof. Gubisch. Aims of the study were, (1) to extract the perception of learning curve of Rhinoplasty from surgeons across a spectrum of experience, i.e. less experienced to experienced, (2) To calculate the perception of learning curve in rhinoplasty as for other surgical procedures i.e. minimum number, interquartile range, surgical time, accelerators, (3) To chart-out a road-map for a novice rhinoplasty surgeon for continued improvement in surgical skills and ability. The conclusion derived was the concept of learning curve in rhinoplasty cannot be applied to the operation of Septo-Rhinoplasty as a whole because the two factors i.e. interquartile range and minimum number to achieve proficiency have a wide range and cannot be generalized. It is thought that each type of Rhinoplasty should be dealt with separately and learning curve calculated accordingly, i.e. hump reduction, crooked nose and augmentation rhinoplasty.

Adoption of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: It Was Quite a Journey

The adoption of laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been a slow but steady progress. The first adopters rapidly expanded the application of the technology to all colorectal pathology. Issues related to extraction and port site recurrence of cancer delayed widespread adoption until incontrovertible data from well-powered prospective randomized studies confirmed equipoise with open surgery. Since that time, the data has consistently demonstrated patient-care benefits related to reductions in both short- and long-term complications historically associated with open colectomy. The potential for further improvement related to single-port access, robotic assistance, and natural orifice access for both the surgery and/or extraction will await the test of time. However, it is clear now that laparoscopic colorectal surgery is the new standard of care and a key enabler of enhanced recovery programs.

Measuring the surgical 'learning curve': methods, variables and competency

OBJECTIVES

To describe how learning curves are measured and what procedural variables are used to establish a 'learning curve' (LC). To assess whether LCs are a valuable measure of competency.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A review of the surgical literature pertaining to LCs was conducted using the Medline and OVID databases.

RESULTS

Variables should be fully defined and when possible, patient-specific variables should be used. Trainee's prior experience and level of supervision should be quantified; the case mix and complexity should ideally be constant. Logistic regression may be used to control for confounding variables. Ideally, a learning plateau should reach a predefined/expert-derived competency level, which should be fully defined. When the group splitting method is used, smaller cohorts should be used in order to narrow the range of the LC. Simulation technology and competence-based objective assessments may be used in training and assessment in LC studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Measuring the surgical LC has potential benefits for patient safety and surgical education. However, standardisation in the methods and variables used to measure LCs is required. Confounding variables, such as participant's prior experience, case mix, difficulty of procedures and level of supervision, should be controlled. Competency and expert performance should be fully defined.

Laparoscopic colon resection: is it being utilized?

Since its inception, the use of laparoscopy for colon surgery has slowly increased, albeit at a slower rate than for cholecystectomy. Initial concerns about the safety and efficacy of laparoscopy have been addressed, and it is now known to have several potential short-term and long-term benefits for the patient. Early studies likely underestimated use of laparoscopy because of coding error. Currently, 40% to 50% of colectomies in the United States are performed laparoscopically, with a 10% to 20% rate of conversion to an open operation. The definitions oflaparoscopy and conversion to open remain at the discretion of the surgeons and their coders. Disparities still exist among use based on several patient, hospital, and surgeon factors. In the future, we will likely see a continuing increase in use as the new generation of surgeons enters practice, and there will be an increasing role for laparoscopy in rectal surgery. The benefit and extent of robotic surgery, natural orifice surgery, and single-incision surgery for minimally invasive colectomies are yet to be defined.

Tunnel positioning in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: how long is the learning curve?

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the learning curve on radiographic tunnel position. A consecutive series of the first 200 procedures of an orthopaedic surgeon over his initial 4years of independent practice were analysed for tunnel placement, based on radiographic appearance. An arthroscopic-assisted technique using patella tendon as graft material was performed in all cases. To establish femoral tunnels, a transtibial guide pin was used. The graft was secured with bioabsorbable screws. A Frik tunnel view and a strictly lateral radiograph were used to assess tunnel placements. Tunnel positioning was assessed using a computer-aided design, 2D software (Auto CAD2000(®)). To minimize measurement bias, radiographs were assessed three times or until deviations in all three measurements were less than 10%, and the three measurements were then averaged. Sagittal femoral tunnel placement improved significantly (P = 0.01) after the first 100 cases. Significant improvement (P = 0.05) in coronal femoral tunnel placement was observed after the first 75 cases. Significant improvement (P = 0.01) in sagittal tibial tunnel position was observed after the first 100 cases. Mean coronal tibial tunnel did not improve. Critical analysis in this consecutive series suggests that a caseload of approximately 100 procedures were necessary for this surgeon to refine his surgical technique beyond that acquired during formal training.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy: the learning curve is for operative speed, not for quality

AIM

We aimed to define the learning curve for hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy (HALC).

METHOD

A retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded data was performed. Consecutive segmental and total HALC performed by a single surgeon with no prior HALC experience was included. Operative time and quality-related outcomes, including conversions, operative and postoperative complications, length of stay, reoperations and readmissions were compared for consecutive cohorts of 25 HALC. A subgroup analysis of right, left, total and proctocolectomy performed in each cohort of 25 HALC was also performed.

RESULTS

From December 2005 to February 2009, 200 HALC were performed. When evaluated in cohorts of 25 consecutive cases, operative times (155-206 min), operative complications (4-12%), postoperative complications (8-36%), length of stay (4-5 days), reoperations (0-8%) and readmissions (0-16%) were similar. In the subgroup analysis, there were no changes in the quality-related measures for any colectomy type or the operative time for right and proctocolectomy as experience was gained. Operative time decreased for left (183-127 min) and total HALC (259-218 min) after experience with 50 cases (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

HALC operative times decreased with surgeon experience. For quality-related outcomes, there was no learning curve for HALC.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery may be a useful tool for surgeons early in the learning curve performing total abdominal colectomy

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated outcomes after hand-assisted (HALC) and straight laparoscopic (LC) techniques for the initial laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy (TAC) procedures performed by surgeons starting their laparoscopic careers.

METHOD

The first eight HALC cases of two surgeons performing TAC by this technique (Group A) were compared with the first (Group B) and last eight (Group C) TAC cases of three surgeons performing LC. Groups A and B were compared with a matched group of open total colectomy cases (Group D) and to the eight cases performed by an experienced surgeon (Group E). Demographics, intra-operative and postoperative outcomes including operation time, morbidity, conversion and readmission rates and length of hospital stay (LOS) were compared using Wilcoxon or Chi-squared tests.

RESULTS

Demographics of the patients were similar. Groups A, B C and E had similar operating time (P = 0.10) which was significantly longer than Group D (P < 0.0001). Morbidity (P = 0.75) and readmission rates were similar (P = 0.89). Conversion rate was significantly higher for Group B (Group B: 41.7%vs Group A: 0%, P = 0.008), in the early period. LOS was comparable between minimally invasive groups but significantly shorter than open surgery group (P = 0.0005). For Groups A and C, operating time (P = 0.55), conversion rate (P = 0.11), morbidity (P = 0.83) and LOS (P = 0.12) were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy may be associated with a significantly shorter learning curve for TAC as results are better than early LC and comparable with LC performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons. It may be a better option for surgeons early in their laparoscopic career.

Hand-assisted versus laparoscopic-assisted colorectal surgery: Practice patterns and clinical outcomes in a minimally-invasive colorectal practice

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic assisted (LA) colectomy has significant patient benefits but is technically challenging. Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) allows tactile feedback because the surgeon's hand assists in retraction and dissection. This may decrease the technical difficulty and shorten the learning curve associated with performing laparoscopic colectomy. We investigated the patient selection and short-term clinical outcomes of HALS and LA since the introduction of HALS to our minimally invasive colorectal practice.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data on 258 patients undergoing HALS (n = 109) or LA colectomy (n = 149) during a calendar year (2004) were analyzed. Patient and disease characteristics, operative parameters, and perioperative outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

HALS patients were similar to LA patients in age (51 vs. 54 yrs), gender (56 vs. 52% male), body mass index (26 vs. 26 kg/m2), comorbidities (84 vs. 85% with one or more), and diagnosis (83 vs. 80% benign), but differed in incidence of previous surgery (49 vs. 30%; P = 0.008). A significantly greater proportion of HALS patients underwent complex procedures and extensive resections. Conversion rates (15 vs. 11%, P = 0.44), intraoperative complications (4 vs. 1%, P = 0.17), 30-day morbidity (18 vs. 11%, P = 0.12) and surgical reinterventions (2 vs. 1%, P = 0.58) did not differ. Recovery measured by days to flatus was not different [mean (standard deviation) 3(2) vs. 3(2) days, P = 0.26], however HALS patients had longer operative times [276(96) vs. 211(107) minutes P < 0.0001] and 1 day longer stay in hospital [6(3) vs. 5 (3) days, P = 0.0009)].

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing HALS underwent more-complex procedures than LA patients but retained the short-term benefits associated with LA colectomy. HALS facilitates expansion of a minimally invasive colectomy practice to include more challenging procedures while maintaining short-term patient benefits.