Patient and healthcare professional satisfaction with 3D imaging new technologies for medical purposes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Advances in the field of three-dimensional scanning have enabled the development of instruments that can generate images that are useful in medicine. On the other hand, satisfaction studies are becoming increasingly important in the evaluation of quality in healthcare. We aimed to evaluate patients' and professionals' satisfaction with the use of a three-dimensional scanner applied to chest wall malformations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the framework of a study to validate the results of three-dimensional scanning technology, we developed questionnaires to measure satisfaction among patients and professionals. We analyzed the results with descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

We included 42 patients and 10 professionals. Patients rated the speed and harmlessness positively; the mean overall level of satisfaction was 4.71 on a scale from 1 to 5. Among professionals, the level of satisfaction was lower, especially with regards to the treatment of the image; the mean overall level of satisfaction was 3.1.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients rated 3D scanning technology highly, but professionals were less satisfied due to the difficulty of treating the images and lack of familiarity with the system. For this technology to reach its maximum potential, it must be simplified and more widely disseminated.

[Endoscopic incision of intravesical ureteroceles in patients with duplex system]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical status and renal function of pa- tients with duplex system and intravesical ureterocele after drainage by cystoscopy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 9 patients with duplex system and intravesical ureterocele drainage was performed to present recurrent urinary tract infections (7 children with episodes of pyelonephritis and sepsis) or obstruction of the urinary drainage. The mean age was 33 months (range 8-108 months). The thecnique was done under general anesthesia in the operating room and puncture of the ureterocele was performed using cystourethroscopy with loop electrode. The minimum follow-up was 12 months (range 12-48 months) and includes renal ultrasound, renal isotopic study (Mag3 with furosemide) and-echocystography study in patients with preoperative vesicoureteral reflux or postoperative urinary tract infection.

RESULTS

The average operative time was 60 minutes. Mean hospital stay was 48 hours. There were no complications during the procedure. In five patients urinary infection episodes disappeared. Ultrasound demonstrated decreased hydronephrosis and megaureter. In two patients the differential renal function following the technique improved. One patient with preoperative split renal function of 14% required nephrectomy. One patient had postoperative vesicoureteral reflux.

CONCLUSIONS

The drainage of intravesical ureterocele in patients with duplex system reduces episodes of urinary tract infection and urinary tract dilation.

[Preliminary results in the correction of the pectus excavatum with the Acastello modified Welch technique]

BACKGROUND

Congenital malformations of the chest wall are a heterogeneous group of diseases affecting the costal cartilage, ribs, sternum, scapula and clavicle. The pectus excavatum is characterized by a posterior depression of the sternum. Acastello-Welch technique consists in a partial resection of the costal cartilages adding some bars or plates unilaterally fixed to the sternum in each hemithorax.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From October 2008 to March 2011 we evaluated 108 patients with congenital malformations of the chest wall. Forty-seven patients (44%) had a pectus excavatum and 12 were treated with Acastello-Welch technique.

RESULTS

There were no intraoperative complications. After a mean follow up of 27 months, correction of the deformity was very satisfactory both objective and subjective for patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The Welch thoracoplasty modified by Acastello is a good option for the correction of the pectus excavatum associating little morbidity and good esthetic outcomes.