Quantitative analysis of the functionality and efficiency of three surgical dissection techniques: a time-motion analysis

Time-action and patient experience analyses of locally advanced cervical cancer brachytherapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although MRI-based image guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) has resulted in favorable outcomes, it can be logistically complex and time consuming compared to 2D image-based brachytherapy, and both physically and emotionally intensive for patients. This prospective study aims to perform time-action and patient experience analyses during IGABT to guide further improvements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LACC patients treated with IGABT were included for the time-action (56 patients) and patient experience (29 patients) analyses. Times per treatment step were reported on a standardized form. For the patient experience analysis, a baseline health status was established with the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and the perceived pain, anxiety and duration for each treatment step were assessed with the NRS-11.

RESULTS

The median total procedure time from arrival until discharge was 530 (IQR: 480-565) minutes. Treatment planning (delineation, reconstruction, optimization) required the most time and took 175 (IQR: 145-195) minutes. Highest perceived pain was reported during applicator removal and treatment planning, anxiety during applicator removal, and duration during image acquisition and treatment planning. Perceived pain, anxiety and duration were correlated. Higher pre-treatment pain and anxiety scores were associated with higher perceived pain, anxiety and duration.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the complexity, duration and impact on patient experience of the current IGABT workflow. Patient reported pre-treatment pain and anxiety can help identify patients that may benefit from additional support. Research and implementation of measures aiming at shortening the overall procedure duration, which may include logistical, staffing and technological aspects, should be prioritized.

Generating Appropriate and Reliable Evidence for Value Assessment of Medical Devices: An Ispor Medical Devices and Diagnostics Special Interest Group Report

Background: Health Technology Assessment methods have become an important health policy tool. Yet recommendations for what constitutes appropriate and reliable evidence for assessment of medical devices are still debated because methods to evaluate pharmaceuticals are often, and incorrectly, the starting point for assessments.

Objectives:

The study aims to: (i) propose recommendations on appropriate methodologies to assess the evidence on medical devices (ii) identify assessment methods that can be used to measure device value and (iii) suggest key areas for future work

Methods:

ISPOR's Medical Devices and Diagnostics Special Interest Group conducted a comprehensive search of databases and gray literature on evidence development and value assessment on medical devices. The literature search was supplemented with hand searching from high impact journals in the related field. The 10-person expert working group obtained written comments through multiple rounds of review from internal and external stakeholders. Recommendations were made to guide future research.

Results:

Multi-criteria decision analysis was identified as a useful approach to assess the value of treatment. Consideration should be given to resource use measures; valid and reliable functional status questionnaires; and general and disease-specific, health-related, quality-of-life measures in economic evaluations of device use. For future work, best practices for value framework design.

Conclusions:

Integration of value-based evidence in an evidence-generation and -synthesis process is needed to support market access and adoption. Methodological recommendations for measuring value can be challenging when the selection of domains and assessment of value are not device-specific.

Learning Curves in Arthroplasty in Orthopedic Trainees

The NHS is adapting to a changing environment, in which economical constraints have forced theatres to maximise efficiency. An environment in which working hours and surgical exposure has been reduced and outcomes are being published. Litigation is high, and patients are living longer with higher demands. We ask, will traditional methods of apprentiship type training suffice in producing competent arthroplasty surgeons when hands on experience is falling. We review learning curves and assessment tools available to accurately assess competency and support trainee orthopaedic surgeons in their acquisition of surgical proficiency.

Learning curve analysis of the Collum Femoris Preserving total hip surgical technique

The aim of this study was to determine whether femoral neck preserving total hip arthroplasty would become less difficult and more efficient during the first 20 cases and to identify potential pitfalls during the introduction of this procedure. The difficulty and efficiency of the initial 20 procedures performed by four surgeons was prospectively determined by analysing a total of 68 video recordings using time-action analysis. This method measures the duration and efficiency of individual actions needed for a surgeon to achieve his or her goal. Afterwards, we reviewed all actions with a long duration and discussed possible causes of delay with the surgeons to identify possible pitfalls. We found a decrease of difficulty and an increase of efficiency during the first 20 cases and a more consistent execution after the initial five cases. Estimating the correct osteotomy level and stem curvature was often difficult, which resulted in a variable stem position. Radiologic analysis demonstrated a tendency for varus position and increased leg length throughout the series, even after the surgeons demonstrated technical proficiency.

Development of workflow task analysis during cerebral diagnostic angiographies: time-based comparison of junior and senior tasks

OBJECTIVE

Assessing neuroradiologists' skills in the operating room (OR) is difficult and often subjective. This study used a workflow time-based task analysis approach while performing cerebral angiography.

METHODS

Eight angiographies performed by a senior neuroradiologist and eight performed by a junior neuroradiologist were compared. Dedicated software with specific terminology was used to record the tasks. Procedures were subdivided into phases, each comprising multiple tasks. Each task was defined as a triplet, associating an action, an instrument and an anatomical structure. The duration of each task was the metric. Total duration of the procedure, task duration and the number of times a task was repeated were identified. The focus was on tasks using fluoroscopy and for moving the X-ray table/tube.

RESULTS

The total duration of tasks to complete the entire procedure was longer for the junior operators than for the seniors (P=0.012). The mean duration per task during the navigation phase was 86s for the juniors and 43s for the seniors (P=0.002). The total and mean durations of tasks involving the use of fluoroscopy were also longer for the juniors (P=0.002 and P=0.033, respectively). For tasks involving the table/tube, the total and mean durations were again longer for the juniors (P=0.019 and P=0.082, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This approach allows reliable skill assessment in the radiology OR and comparison of junior and senior competencies during cerebral diagnostic angiography. This new tool can improve the quality and safety of procedures, and facilitate the learning process for neuroradiologists.

Energetic soft-tissue treatment technologies: an overview of procedural fundamentals and safety factors

BACKGROUND

Energy administered during soft-tissue treatments may cauterize, coagulate, seal, or otherwise affect underlying structures. A general overview of the functionality, procedural outcomes, and associated risks of these treatments, however, is not yet generally available. In addition, literature is sometimes inconsistent with regards to terminology. Along with the rapid expansion of available energetic instruments, particularly in the field of endoscopic surgery, these factors may complicate the ability to step back, review available treatment options, and identify critical parameters for appropriate use.

METHODS

Online databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were used to collect literature on popular energetic treatments, such as electrosurgery, plasma surgery, ultrasonic surgery, and laser surgery. The main results include review and comparison studies on the working mechanisms, pathological outcomes, and procedural hazards.

RESULTS

The tissue response to energetic treatments can be largely explained by known mechanical and thermal interactions. Application parameters, such as the interaction time and power density, were found to be of major influence. By breaking down treatments to this interaction level, it is possible to differentiate the available options and reveal their strengths and weaknesses. Exact measures of damage and alike quantifications of interaction are, although valuable to the surgeon, often either simply unknown due to the high impact of tissue and application-dependent parameters or badly documented in previous studies. In addition, inconsistencies in literature regarding the terminology of used techniques were observed and discussed. They may complicate the formulation of cause and effect relations and lead to misconceptions regarding the treatment performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Some basic knowledge on used energetic treatments and settings and a proper use of terminology may enhance the practitioner's insight in allowable actions to take, improve the interpretation and diagnosis of histological and mechanical tissue changes, and decrease the probability of iatrogenic mishaps.

Similarity metrics for surgical process models

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this work is to introduce a set of similarity metrics for comparing surgical process models (SPMs). SPMs are progression models of surgical interventions that support quantitative analyses of surgical activities, supporting systems engineering or process optimization.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Five different similarity metrics are presented and proven. These metrics deal with several dimensions of process compliance in surgery, including granularity, content, time, order, and frequency of surgical activities. The metrics were experimentally validated using 20 clinical data sets each for cataract interventions, craniotomy interventions, and supratentorial tumor resections. The clinical data sets were controllably modified in simulations, which were iterated ten times, resulting in a total of 600 simulated data sets. The simulated data sets were subsequently compared to the original data sets to empirically assess the predictive validity of the metrics.

RESULTS

We show that the results of the metrics for the surgical process models correlate significantly (p<0.001) with the induced modifications and that all metrics meet predictive validity. The clinical use of the metrics was exemplarily, as demonstrated by assessment of the learning curves of observers during surgical process model acquisition.

CONCLUSION

Measuring similarity between surgical processes is a complex task. However, metrics for computing the similarity between surgical process models are needed in many uses in the field of medical engineering. These metrics are essential whenever two SPMs need to be compared, such as during the evaluation of technical systems, the education of observers, or the determination of surgical strategies. These metrics are key figures that provide a solid base for medical decisions, such as during validation of sensor systems for use in operating rooms in the future.

An observation support system with an adaptive ontology-driven user interface for the modeling of complex behaviors during surgical interventions

The field of surgical interventions emphasizes knowledge and experience; explicit and detailed models of surgical processes are hard to obtain by observation or measurement. However, in medical engineering and related developments, such models are highly valuable. Surgical process modeling deals with the generation of complex process descriptions by observation. This places high demands on the observers, who have to use a sizable terminology to denominate surgical actions, instruments, and patient anatomies, and to describe processes unambiguously. Here, we present a novel method, employing an ontology-based user interface that adapts to the actual situation and describe the principles of the system. A validation study showed that this method enables observers with little recording experience to reach a recording accuracy of >90%. Furthermore, this method can be used for live and video observation. We conclude that the method of ontology-supported recording for complex behaviors can be advantageously employed when surgical processes are modeled.

Modeling surgical processes: a four-level translational approach

MOTIVATION

The precise and formal specification of surgical interventions is a necessary requirement for many applications in surgery, including teaching and learning, quality assessment and evaluation, and computer-assisted surgery. Currently, surgical processes are modeled by following various approaches. This diversity lacks a commonly agreed-upon conceptual foundation and thus impedes the comparability, the interoperability, and the uniform interpretation of process data.

OBJECTIVE

However, it would be beneficial if scientific models, in the same context, shared a coherent conceptual and formal mathematical basis. Such a uniform foundation would simplify the acquisition and exchange of data, the transition and interpretation of study results, and the transfer and adaptation of methods and tools. Therefore, we propose a generic, formal framework for specifying surgical processes, which is presented together with its design methodology.

METHODS

The methodology follows a four-level translational approach and comprises an ontological foundation for the formal level that orients itself by linguistic theories.

RESULTS

A unifying framework for modeling surgical processes that is ontologically founded and formally and mathematically precise was developed. The expressive power and the unifying capacity of the presented framework are demonstrated by applying it to four contemporary approaches for surgical process modeling by using the common underlying formalization.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented four-level approach allows for capturing the knowledge of the surgical intervention formally. Natural language terms are consistently translated to an implementation level to support research fields where users express their expert knowledge about processes in natural language, but, in contrast to this, statistical analysis or data mining need to be performed based on mathematically formalized data sets. The availability of such a translational approach is a valuable extension for research regarding the operating room of the future.

The effect of nonperitonization and laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for minimizing the incidence of lymphocyst formation after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer

OBJECTIVES

To determine the clinical effect of nonperitonization and laparoscopic lymphadenectomy using bipolar electrocautery after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer compared with peritonization and open lymphadenectomy using monopolar electrocautery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 180 patients who underwent a radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) for cervical cancer from August 1998 to August 2007. The patients were composed of the Peritonization + Laparotomy group (group A; n = 98, 196 PLND) and the Nonperitonization + Laparoscopy group (group B; n = 82, 164 PLND). Group B left the peritoneum in front of the PLND open. Two closed-suction drains were placed at each side of the PLND.

RESULTS

Group B statistically showed a lesser total amount of lymphatic drainage (P = 0.001), shorter duration of inserted drains (P < 0.001), and shorter length of hospital stay (P < 0.001), compared with group A. The formation of lymphocysts occurred in 30 patients (41 lymphocysts) of group A and 5 patients (5 lymphocysts) of group B. Lymphocyst formation of group B had a statistically lower incidence than that of group A (P < 0.001). Lymphocyst formation was associated with an increase in the total amount of lymphatic drainage in group A (P = 0.090) and group B (P = 0.041) and a pathologic type of adenocarcinoma in group B (P = 0.016). Surgical experiences were not correlated with lymphocyst formation.

CONCLUSIONS

The omission of peritonization and laparoscopic lymphadenectomy using bipolar electrocautery in early-stage cervical cancer were more effective than peritonization and open lymphadenectomy using monopolar electrocautery in minimizing the incidence of lymphocyst formation.

Analysis of surgical intervention populations using generic surgical process models

PURPOSE

According to differences in patient characteristics, surgical performance, or used surgical technological resources, surgical interventions have high variability. No methods for the generation and comparison of statistical 'mean' surgical procedures are available. The convenience of these models is to provide increased evidence for clinical, technical, and administrative decision-making.

METHODS

Based on several measurements of patient individual surgical treatments, we present a method of how to calculate a statistical 'mean' intervention model, called generic Surgical Process Model (gSPM), from a number of interventions. In a proof-of-concept study, we show how statistical 'mean' procedure courses can be computed and how differences between several of these models can be quantified. Patient individual surgical treatments of 102 cataract interventions from eye surgery were allocated to an ambulatory or inpatient sample, and the gSPMs for each of the samples were computed. Both treatment strategies are exemplary compared for the interventional phase Capsulorhexis.

RESULTS

Statistical differences between the gSPMs of ambulatory and inpatient procedures of performance times for surgical activities and activity sequences were identified. Furthermore, the work flow that corresponds to the general recommended clinical treatment was recovered out of the individual Surgical Process Models.

CONCLUSION

The computation of gSPMs is a new approach in medical engineering and medical informatics. It supports increased evidence, e.g. for the application of alternative surgical strategies, investments for surgical technology, optimization protocols, or surgical education. Furthermore, this may be applicable in more technical research fields, as well, such as the development of surgical workflow management systems for the operating room of the future.

Haemorrhoidectomy with Ligasure vs conventional excisional techniques: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To compare the use of LigaSure devices with conventional excisional techniques, circular stapling and use of Harmonic Scalpel in patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids and to review literature on LigaSure technology (Valleylab Inc. USA).

METHOD

A literature review was performed using the National Library of Medicine's Pubmed Database using the keywords Ligasure, haemorrhoidectomy, vessel sealing technology. Randomized trials comparing LigaSure with other techniques of excisional haemorrhoidectomy with valid end points were reviewed in the present article and included in a quantitative meta-analysis.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients cured after Ligasure haemorrhoidectomy or other excisional techniques (P > 0.05). Patients treated with LigaSure had a significantly shorter operative time (P < 0.001), postoperative pain VAS Score (P < 0.001), wound healing time and time-off from work (P < 0.001), than the patients submitted to excisional techniques. Postoperative bleeding did not significantly differ between the two groups (P = 0.056); however, the surgeons observed a reduction of intra- and postoperative bleeding using LigaSure. In comparison to the circular stapler and Harmonic Scalpel the authors found similar postoperative outcomes and a slightly favourable trend for LigaSure regarding postoperative complications, ease of handling and length of the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis shows that Ligasure haemorrhoidectomy is a fast procedure characterized by limited postoperative pain, short hospitalization, fast wound healing and convalescence.

Time-action analysis of laparoscopic procedures - input for clinically driven instrument design

Clinically driven instrument development aims at reducing clinically important problems of the surgical process. The input for clinically driven instrument design originates in the difficulties that occur during the peroperative process. This paper describes a method of time&#150;action analysis as a tool to provide input for designers. Four steps can be distinguished in the process of clinically driven instrument development: (1) assessment of the instrument-related difficulties during operations; (2) the translation of the clinical problems into technical design specifications; (3) the construction of a prototype; (4) the evaluation of the prototype. Time&#150;action analysis can be used to detect the difficulties of the operative process in detail, supporting Step 1 of the clinically driven development process. In addition, it can be used to evaluate objectively the efficiency and limiting factors of new prototypes in comparison to currently available instruments (Step 4).

Development of laparoscopic instruments

Laparoscopy has important consequences for the functioning of the surgeon, affecting both his/her perception and manipulation capabilities. To be able to judge the perception and manipulation aspects of laparoscopic instruments, a thorough insight into the functioning of the laparoscopic surgeon is needed, and a realistic model of the operation process should be a starting point for every new design. In addition, it is efficient to use observational methods to gain insight into the most important limitations encountered in clinical practice and into the effect of an alternative design. To achieve simplification of the laparoscopic procedure, innovative and unconventional solutions are needed. Thus, the design strategy for laparoscopic instruments is important. Passive and active design strategies, and force- and motion-directed design concepts are reviewed, and their characteristics are compared in view of minimally invasive application. Three design examples are presented and the related design strategy is discussed in each case. These examples are: a laparoscopic grasper with force perception, a passive instrument positioner and a force-controlled robotic system with active constraints. Future trends in the development of laparoscopic instruments are also discussed.

Multirater agreement on arthroscopic image quality

In arthroscopy (minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery), the view is frequently disturbed. To optimize the view, quantification of the arthroscopic image quality is important. Thereto, disturbances were categorized as bleeding, air bubbles, turbidity (synovial fluid), loose fibrous tissue, and attached fibrous tissue, which cover the arthroscopic image area. The goal is to determine the percentages of disturbance coverage for which the view is acceptable. Thirty-two short films of the five disturbances were selected from arthroscopic knee procedures. The films showed disturbances covering different percentages of the image area. Thirty-nine orthopaedic surgeons were asked to judge whether or not the view of each film was acceptable. Multiple-choice questions on irrigation and disturbances were asked. A clear transition from acceptable to unacceptable view was found for bleeding (5 per cent of the covered area was acceptable; 25 per cent was not acceptable), and air bubbles (10 per cent was acceptable; 20 per cent was not acceptable). Loose fibrous tissue showed a gradual transition where 25 per cent was still accepted by a third of the surgeons. Turbidity and attached fibrous tissue were tolerated up to 50 per cent by half of the surgeons. Surgeons using a mechanical pump tolerated a lower percentage of synovial fluid ( p<0.05). The most intolerable disturbance was bleeding. The results were consistent and will be used for computerized detection of disturbances.

Time-action analysis (TAA) of the surgical technique implanting the collum femoris preserving (CFP) hip arthroplasty. TAASTIC trial identifying pitfalls during the learning curve of surgeons participating in a subsequent randomized controlled trial (an observational study)

Background

Two types of methods are used to assess learning curves: outcome assessment and process assessment. Outcome measures are usually dichotomous rare events like complication rates and survival or require an extensive follow-up and are therefore often inadequate to monitor individual learning curves. Time-action analysis (TAA) is a tool to objectively determine the level of efficiency of individual steps of a surgical procedure.

Methods/Design

We are currently using TAA to determine the number of cases needed for surgeons to reach proficiency with a new innovative hip implant prior to initiating a multicentre RCT. By analysing the unedited video recordings of the first 20 procedures of each surgeon the number and duration of the actions needed for a surgeon to achieve his goal and the efficiency of these actions is measured. We constructed a taxonomy or list of actions which together describe the complete surgical procedure. In the taxonomy we categorised the procedure in 5 different Goal Oriented Phases (GOP):

1. the incision phase

2. the femoral phase

3. the acetabulum phase

4. the stem phase

5. the closure pase

Each GOP was subdivided in Goal Oriented Actions (GOA) and each GOA is subdivided in Separate Actions (SA) thereby defining all the necessary actions to complete the procedure. We grouped the SAs into GOAs since it would not be feasible to measure each SA. Using the video recordings, the duration of each GOA was recorded as well as the amount of delay. Delay consists of repetitions, waiting and additional actions. The nett GOA time is the total GOA time – delay and is a representation of the level of difficulty of each procedure. Efficiency is the percentage of nett GOA time during each procedure.

Discussion

This allows the construction of individual learning curves, assessment of the final skill level for each surgeon and comparison of different surgeons prior to participation in an RCT. We believe an objective and comparable assessment of skill level by process assessment can improve the value of a surgical RCT in situations where a learning curve is expected.

Disturbances in the arthroscopic view defined with video analysis

Optimization of arthroscopic view with technological innovation. To formulate objective measures for arthroscopic image quality. This is achieved by defining uniquely interpretable descriptions of disturbances of the arthroscopic image. Disturbances in the arthroscopic view were defined focusing on the size of the disturbance area, and the duration of a disturbance. They were categorized as Bleeding, Turbidity, Air Bubbles, Loose Fibrous Tissue, Attached Fibrous Tissue, Tissue too Close, and Instrument too Close. Ten arthroscopic knee procedures were recorded on digital film with a frame rate of 25 images per second (almost 5 h in total). Using time-action analysis, two investigators individually scored the presence and type of each disturbance in all 5 h of the ten arthroscopies. The kappa statistic was used to assess agreement between the investigators. Additionally, five other observers, who had no prior training, scored 1 min of each of the ten arthroscopies (total of 10 min) to evaluate the definitions for unique interpretability. The adjusted kappa statistic (kappa is corrected for high prevalence) shows good tester agreement for all disturbances (range 0.71-0.96), also for the observers who had no prior training. Only Turbidity shows a moderate agreement (0.59 and 0.44). This is due to the difficulty to assess the exact start and end time of Turbidity. We succeeded in describing uniquely interpretable definitions for seven disturbances. This allows objective and quantitative determination of arthroscopic image quality, which is required to improve future arthroscopic equipment and training facilities.

Identifying error pathways during elbow and knee replacements

The aim of our study was to identify errors and error pathways during joint replacements and to propose improvements. A time-action and error analysis method was adapted for use during surgery. The error analysis consisted of identifying all possible errors, determining error paths presented in an error chart, quantifying errors, and determining the impact of errors. This method was used to evaluate joint replacements. We evaluated five knee and 11 elbow replacements done by two experienced surgeons. The main error for elbow replacements was caused by inadequate instruments. The main error for knee replacements was caused by inexperienced nurses being unfamiliar with guiding instruments. The time-action analysis showed a large variation in procedure duration. The main surgical limitations for both procedures were waiting caused by the cementing process and waiting caused by inexperienced scrub nurses. Our study identified errors and surgical limitations during joint replacements by using time-action and error analysis. Placement of both prostheses will benefit from new fixation techniques, a more experienced nursing staff, and more organized instrument tables.

Laparoscopic vascular anastomoses: does robotic (Zeus–Aesop) assistance help to overcome the learning curve?

BACKGROUND

Considerable training is necessary to master laparoscopic suturing and knot-tying. Robotic systems are assumed to facilitate these skills and shorten the learning curve. The effect of laparoscopic experience and robotic assistance on the learning curve of vascular anastomoses was studied.

METHODS

A laparoscopically experienced surgeon and a laparoscopically inexperienced surgeon made alternating laparoscopic vascular anastomoses and robot-assisted laparoscopic vascular anastomoses using a Zeus-Aesop surgical robotic system with various prosthetic conduits and suture materials in a laparoscopic training box.

RESULTS

Neither laparoscopic method influenced the quality score or leakage rate, but with laparoscopic experience, significantly fewer failures were made. Suturing and knot-tying were faster with laparoscopic experience both with and without the robotic system, and fewer stitch actions and knot actions were performed. The learning curves of both surgeons were not improved by the robotic system.

CONCLUSIONS

Experience is the most important factor in the performance of laparoscopic vascular anastomoses. The robotic system was not helpful in shortening the learning curve.

Clinically-driven approach to improve arthroscopic techniques

In this paper, a clinically-driven approach is introduced as the starting point for the improvement of arthroscopic techniques. The approach was divided into two phases. Phase 1 consisted of a combination of observations and discussions that resulted in the definition of clinically-relevant research topics. Phase 2 consisted of an interview which aimed at analysis of the general opinion on arthroscopy, and which assigned a priority ranking to the topics. Six research topics were defined. Based on the information collected, the conclusion is that the surgeons are satisfied with current arthroscopic techniques. A majority gives priority to the optimization of cartilage treatment and to the design of a steerable arthroscopic cutter. A minority gives priority to the expansion of arthroscopic techniques. The two-phase approach was fruitful in terms of establishing clinical problem areas, and of involving surgeons in the technical improvement of arthroscopic techniques.

Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel and multifunctional tem400 instrument complement in transanal endoscopic microsurgery: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

For transanal endoscopic microsurgery, the ultracision Harmonic Scalpel (UC) and the multifunctional TEM400 instrument (T400) seem advantageous. This study investigated their clinical use.

METHODS

Prospective analysis of tumor, patient, and operation characteristics was performed for 196 tumor resections per instrument intended for application.

RESULTS

The T400 instrument was applied in 162 operations, and the UC in 34 operations. Tumor and patient characteristics were similar except for tumor area (respectively, 7.5 and 17 cm(2); p = 0.003). Operative time was proportionate to the tumor area (p < 0.001) and inversely proportionate to its distance from the dentate line to the lower margin of the tumor of the UC (p = 0.002). Application reduced operative time by 26% (p = 0.02, corrected for area). Whereas, T400 was always singly sufficient for excision, the UC required T400 application in 50% of operations, especially for larger tumors (p = 0.026), with the result that more rectal wall circumference was captured (p = 0.043). Both groups had similar safety parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The UC substantially reduced operative time compared with the T400, but frequently required the T400 for procedure completion. The T400 is always singly sufficient.

Time-motion analysis of operation theater time use during laparoscopic cholecystectomy by surgical specialist residents

BACKGROUND

Data on man-machine interfaces in the operation theater are essential to the improvement of surgical efficiency. This study analyzed the activity of the operating team during laparoscopic cholecystectomy by surgical trainees.

METHODS

The endoscopic image and overview of the operating room were recorded during 20 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed by specialist residents. Time-motion analysis of the recorded tapes was performed.

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range [IQR]) for theater time was 134 +/- min (IQR, 52 min). The components of operative time for the surgeon were 26% for insertion of access ports and wound closure, 57% for intracorporeal endoscopic work, and 17% for instrument change. Only 52% of the scrub nurse time was related to the operation. Machine and video setup, adjustment of ancillary equipment together, and delivery of instruments and items requested by the surgeon and scrub nurse accounted for 13% of the circulating nurse time.

CONCLUSIONS

With the current nonergonomic theater design and structure, a significant proportion of theater time during routine uncomplicated laparoscopic surgery is used for nonoperative functions. The study highlights the need for improved ergonomic design, integrated bus operating systems under the control of the surgeon, and multifunctional laparoscopic instruments.

The Efficacy of Robot-assisted Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Vascular Anastomoses in an Experimental Model

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted surgery is thought to facilitate complex laparoscopic movements, enhancing advanced laparoscopic procedures.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the benefit of robotic assistance for laparoscopic vascular surgery.

DESIGN

Experimental study using prosthetic conduits in a laparoscopic training box.

METHODS

Two surgeons each performed 40 laparoscopic vascular anastomoses alternating with and without robotic assistance. A Zeus-Aesop surgical Robotic system trade mark with 3-D visualisation was used. Each surgeon made 40 anastomoses in total, using different prostheses (5 mm PTFE and 16 mm Dacron) and suture material (Prolene and PTFE). A time-action analysis was performed to evaluate surgical performance. Primary efficacy parameters were quality and leakage of the anastomosis, total time and total number of actions.

RESULTS

Equal quality scores and anastomotic leakage were achieved with both techniques. Robotic assistance resulted in significant longer suture and knot tying time and significant more actions were needed compared to the manual laparoscopic procedures. Significant more failures occurred during the robot-assisted procedures.

CONCLUSION

In this study, robotic (Zeus-Aesop) assistance did not improve the laparoscopic performance of the surgeon whilst making vascular anastomoses.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a comparative study

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) was compared with robot-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy (RLC). Surgical trainees performed the LC to avoid the surgeon's experience bias.

METHODS

Two surgical trainees performed 10 CLCs and 10 RLCs at random with a Zeus-Aesop Surgical Robotic System. The primary efficacy parameters were the total time and the number of actions involved in the procedure. The secondary parameters were setup and dissection times, and the number of grasping and dissection actions. Surgical complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

For CLC and RLC, respectively, the total times were 95.4 +/- 28 min and 123.5 +/- 33.3 min and the total actions were 420 +/- 176.3 and 363.5 +/- 158.2. For CLC, the times required for setup (21 +/- 10.4 min) and dissection (50.2 +/- 17.7 min) were less than for RLC (33.8 +/- 11.3 min and 72 +/- 24.3 min, respectively). The numbers of grasping and dissection actions were not significantly different: 41.4 +/- 26.5 and 378 +/- 173.7, respectively, for CLC versus 48.9 +/- 27 and 314.6 +/- 141.9, respectively, for RLC.

CONCLUSION

Although feasible, RLC requires significantly more time than CLC because of slower performed actions.

Evaluation of humeral head replacements using time-action analysis

New surgical technologies are often introduced without objective evaluation of their efficiency. Commonly, their results are only related to surgical outcome and complication rate. In this study, time-action analysis was applied to evaluate the per-operative process and to measure surgical performance during 8 humeral head replacements. An overview of the operative theater and a detailed view were recorded on video simultaneously. The duration and number of actions grouped to functions, limitations, and repeated actions were determined. The duration and number of performed actions varied between procedures. The efficiency of the procedure, defined as the percentage of goal-oriented functions, was about 55%. Repeated actions were frequently observed during the alignment and insertion phase. We conclude that time-action analysis can be used to evaluate surgical performance objectively. Limitations of the surgical process that can be improved could be identified. These findings enable the evaluation of new operative techniques, protocols, and instruments.

Evaluation of vascular and interventional procedures with time-action analysis: a pilot study

PURPOSE

To provide an objective method to measure the efficiency of vascular and interventional procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The time-action analysis method is defined for peripheral vascular and interventional procedures. A taxonomy of actions is defined, geared specifically toward these procedures. The actions are: start-up/wrap-up, exchange, navigate, image, diagnose, treat, handle material, wait, compress puncture site, and unclassified. The recording method and analysis techniques are described. To show the type of data that can be obtained, the time-action analysis of 30 procedures is presented.

RESULTS

The results provide a detailed picture of the time spent on various actions. Of all actions, the most time is spent on compressing the puncture site (18.5%), whereas the highest frequency of actions are for exchange of catheters, guide wires, and sheaths (20.4 times per procedure). Radiation exposure can be analyzed in detail, which can yield directions for possible reduction. For instance, 5.2%-8.3% of the total radiation exposure occurs during preparation of imaging to adjust the position of the patient table and set the image intensifier diaphragm.

CONCLUSION

Time-action analysis provides an objective measurement method to monitor and evaluate vascular and interventional procedures. Potential applications and limitations of the technique are discussed.

Problems with laparoscopic instruments: opinions of experts

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic surgery is particularly known for its complex technique, which calls for operative analysis of laparoscopic instruments. This study investigates the opinion of experts about clinical problems with instruments occurring during laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

A questionnaire was used to obtain the opinions of expert laparoscopic surgeons about difficulties experienced operatively using laparoscopic instruments.

RESULTS

The laparoscopic surgeons indicated that coagulators were especially prone to cause complications of the gastro-intestinal tract, vascular injuries, and bile duct injuries. Dissectors were considered to play a role in the occurrence of solid organ and bile duct injuries, and retractors to cause solid organ injuries. Insufficient functionality of the instruments and insufficient quality of the image were indicated to contribute to the instrument's risks.

CONCLUSION

The questionnaire identified technological deficiencies prone to cause operative complications. The results provide a basis for the interaction between surgeons and engineers, and serve as pilot information on which to base an in-depth object evaluation of instrument problems.

Liporeduction by endocoagulation

BACKGROUND

Plastic surgery and dermatologic techniques are constantly being improved, but clinical expression of the aging process and its surgical management remains a challenge.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate an alternative surgical approach for submandibular, mental, and periorbital loose tissue treatment.

METHODS

We present a modified transcutaneous bipolar diathermy microprobe using the coaxial principle for the treatment of mental, submandibular, and periorbital loose tissue.

RESULTS

The outcome was evaluated as satisfactory for the following reasons: lower morbidity, it is a simple time-saving surgical technique, no healing difficulties, less dehiscence, no wound exposure, minimal incisions, and a faster postoperative recovery with a simple wound care.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that this procedure is a simple surgical approach that delays extensive plastic surgery.

Efficacy of establishment of pneumoperitoneum with the Veress needle, Hasson trocar, and modified blunt trocar (TrocDoc): a randomized study

PURPOSE

To compare three techniques of establishment of pneumoperitoneum for efficacy: the Veress needle/first trocar, the Hasson trocar, and a newly developed modified blunt trocar, the TrocDoc.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between June and December 1999, 62 patients eligible for laparoscopic surgery were randomized. The effectiveness of installation of the pneumoperitoneum using the three techniques was assessed by time-motion analysis. Primary efficacy measures were total time and number of actions required to establish the pneumoperitoneum. Secondary efficacy measures were procedure-related complications, wound complications, and occurrence of CO2 leakage.

RESULTS

Two patients were withdrawn from inclusion. The three groups were comparable for age and body mass index. Total time was shortest using the TrocDoc rather than the Veress needle/first trocar and the Hasson trocar (respectively, 138 +/- 58 v 237 +/- 56 v 350 +/- 103 seconds), and the number of actions was lowest for the Veress needle/first trocar combination: 22 +/- 7 v 32 +/- 12 (TrocDoc) v 53 +/- 17 (Hasson). There was no morbidity related to the installation of pneumoperitoneum nor trocar wound complications. Gas leakage occurred in five of the Hasson introductions.

CONCLUSIONS

Establishment of the pneumoperitoneum is more efficient using the TrocDoc compared with the Veress needle/first trocar and the Hasson trocar. The TrocDoc might replace the two alternatives because of its efficacy and open method of introduction.