Telementoring of Open and Laparoscopic Knot Tying and Suturing Is Possible: A Randomized Controlled Study

Aim Several motor learning models have been used to teach highly complex procedural skills in medical education. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the efficiency of telementoring of open and laparoscopic suturing of medical students compared to conventional in-person teaching and training. Methods After randomization, 23 medical students were assigned to either the telementoring or the in-person training group. Both groups were taught by surgically trained residence with a student–teacher ratio of 1:1 (teacher–student). Open suturing was assessed in a model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and laparoscopic suturing in a model of bowel anastomosis. All subjects were trained according to the spaced learning concept for 3 hours. Primary end points were time, knot quality, precision, knot strength, and overall knotting performance/competency. Furthermore, we utilized the Surgery Task Load Index to evaluate the cognitive load of both teaching techniques. Students' subjective progress regarding skill acquisitions and acceptance of telementoring was assessed using a nine-item questionnaire. Results All 23 trainees significantly improved after training in all knot attributes. More than 90% of all subjects reached proficiency in both groups. In-person training and telementoring were similarly practical, and no significant differences regarding speed, knot quality, precision, knot stability, and procedure performance/competency were found. Students perceived no difference in acquisition of factual or applicational knowledge between the two groups. General acceptance of telementoring was moderate in both groups before training, but increased during training in students actually assigned to this group, in comparison to students assigned to conventional teaching. Conclusion The current study shows that telementoring of open and laparoscopic suturing is an ideal answer to the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, ensuring continuous training. On-site training and telementoring are similarly effective, leading to substantial improvement in proficiency in intracorporeal suturing and knot tying. Likewise, students' subjective progress regarding skill acquisitions and cognitive load does not differ between teaching methods. Skepticism toward telementoring decreases after exposure to this learning method. Given our results, telementoring should be considered a highly effective and resource-saving educational approach even after the current pandemic.

Laparoscopic Hand-Sewn Duodenojejunostomy for Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Using 3D-4K Image - A Case Study

Background: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as wilkie’s syndrome, is a rare condition characterized by vascular compression of third part of the duodenum that leads to duodenal obstruction. Traditionally, open or laparoscopic stapled duodenojejunostomy is recommended when conservative management failed. We report a 3D-4K image hand-sewn duodenojejunostomy (DJ) for the treatment of SMA syndrome. Materials and Methods: A 13 years old patient presented with anorexia, post prandial vomiting, dull abdominal pain & weight loss for 6 years. Upper GI endoscopy revealed duodenal stenosis and Barium follow through demonstrated obstruction to the third part of the duodenum. Ultrasound examination revealed gastric & duodenal dilatation. With these clinical and radiological findings, the diagnosis of SMA syndrome was suspected. He was identified as a candidate for a duodenojejunostomy. 3D-4K image system was used for superior image quality and binocular depth perception and a laparoscopic hand-sewn duodenojejunostomy performed on september 20, 2020 Results: Diagnostic laparoscopy detected SMA syndrome. Laparoscopic hand-sewn duodenojejunostomy took 120 minutes time. There were no intraoperative complications. The blood loss was minimum. The postoperative course was uneventful with resolution of duodenal obstruction. The patient discharged on 6th postoperative day. He gained 10 kg weight 6weeks after surgery. Conclusion: 3D-4K image laparoscopic hand-sewn duodenojejunostomy as a surgical option for the treatment of SMA syndrome is safe, cost effective, feasible, and valid alternative to open and laparoscopic stapled technique with added benefits of a minimally invasive approach. Additionally hand-sewn anastomosis ensures good tissue approximation. Of course it is time consuming and needs expertise in intracorporeal suturing. 3D-4K image technology makes this difficult procedure easier. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2022; 40: 68-71

P-BN48 Utilising spatial geometry to obtain the ideal needle mount for laparoscopic intracorporeal suturing

Background Intracorporeal suturing is an essential component of any advanced laparoscopic procedure like fundoplication, bypass surgery or common bile duct exploration. Obtaining the appropriate needle mount during suturing can be challenging. Spatial geometry defines points in three-dimensional space. Ergonomics in laparoscopic surgery identifies a manipulation angle of 60o to target as being optimal. This knowledge, in combination with the principles of light reflection can be used to understand needle orientation in laparoscopic suturing. Methods An experiment was designed on a laparoscopic trainer with three participants. Using the principles of spatial geometry and light reflection, four different points were identified on an angle chart and labelled for a right-hand dominant participant as; centre, right off-centre (5.5cm), right lateral (10 cm) and left off-centre (5.5cm). Each participant was instructed to mount the needle at the defined points using light reflection on the needle shaft as a reference guide. Three readings were taken for each position. Mounted angle was defined as the angle between the shaft of needle holder and long axis of the needle. This was measured using a special application and an average value determined for each position. Results The average values for the mounted angle measurements for each spatial position were: Centre(112o), Right off centre(101o), Right lateral (88.8o) and Left off centre (124.6o). Conclusions This study describes a novel and reproducible technique to obtain an ideal needle mount. For a needle mount greater than 100o either the centre position or the left off-centre position should be considered.

TP8.2.9 Development & Evaluation of LapPass™: The Laparoscopic Passport

Aims Laparoscopic surgery is technically challenging and assessment of competency is necessary to ensure patient safety and guide training. Existing tools of assessment are mostly subjective, with a growing need for objective credentialing. LapPass™ was developed by a UK-based laparoscopic society as an accessible simulation assessment tool. The aim of this study was to report on its development and preliminary findings of usability and validity. Methods LapPass™ consists of 4 tasks that test: bimanual dexterity, simulated appendicectomy, dissection and intracorporeal suturing. Participants were prospectively recruited from testing events. Online surveys were sent to assessors and participants to assess the usability, face and content validity of the tool. Options to respond were on a five-point Likert scale with ratings from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5). Results LapPass was launched and offered to trainees as free-of-charge assessment tool. 31 participants and 12 assessors took part. The 1st time pass rate for bimanual dexterity was 19/29 (65.5%), appendicectomy 13/23 (56.5%), dissection 20/27 (74.1%) and intracorporeal suturing 6/19 (31.5%). The mean scores for participants’ usability and validity were 3.8 and 4.12 for bimanual dexterity; 3.96 and 4.37 for appendicectomy; 4.5 and 4.16 for dissection and 3.84 and 4.52 for intracorporeal suturing. Assessors' mean score of usability was 4.5 across all tasks. Assessors scored validity of bimanual dexterity 4.35, appendicectomy 4.42, dissection 3.71 and intracorporeal suturing 4.65. Conclusion LapPass™ is a an accessible objective assessment tool for laparoscopic basic surgical skills with preliminary data to confirm its usability and face and content validity.

Single-Incision vs. Multiport Robotic Sacrocolpopexy: 126 Consecutive Cases at a Single Institution

Robot-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) has gained popularity as a method for easier intracorporeal suturing than conventional laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. However, few studies have compared multiport RSC (MP-RSC) and single-incision RSC (SI-RSC). We aimed to compare perioperative outcomes between these techniques for advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We analyzed 126 patients who underwent RSC for POP quantification (all stage III to IV) between March 2019 and May 2021 at Seoul Asan Medical Center. We prospectively collected operation-related data, including total operation time (OT; from skin incision to closure) and perioperative outcomes. A total of 106 and 20 patients underwent MP-RSC and SI-RSC, respectively. The mean ages were 57.49 ± 10.89 and 56.20 ± 10.30 years in the MP-RSC and SI-RSC groups, respectively. The mean total OT was significantly shorter for MP-RSC than for SI-RSC (105.43 ± 24.03 vs. 121.10 ± 26.28 min). The OT difference was 15.67 min (95% confidence interval, 3.90–25.85, p = 0.009). No statistically significant differences were observed in terms of perioperative variables (estimated blood loss, hospital stay) and postoperative adverse events (POP recurrence, mesh erosion). SI-RSC had comparable intraoperative and postoperative outcomes to MP-RSC, with additional cosmetic benefits. MP-RSC had significantly shorter OT than SI-RSC.

117 A Systematic Review Comparing Clinical Outcomes Between Hem-O-Lok Clips and Endoloops In Securing the Base of The Appendix During Laparoscopic Appendicectomy

Introduction One of the crucial steps of laparoscopic appendicectomy is to secure the base of appendix. A variety of techniques for stump closure have been described as Endoloops(Vicryl or PDS), Hem-o-lok clips, intracorporeal suturing and endoscopic staplers. Method A detailed literature survey using Pubmed, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was carried out to extract studies conducted between 1990 and 2020. A total of 14 studies- 3 randomized controlled trials & 11 comparative studies enrolling 2098 (1030 in HL & 1068 in EL group) patients were included in the final analysis comparing Hem-o-lok versus endoloops for closure of appendiceal base. Outcome measures were Operative time, Cost benefit, Post-operative complications, and length of hospital stay. Results The average time of operation was significantly shorter in the HL group (SMD -0.79; 95% CI -1.03 – 0.56; z = 6.61; p < 0.00001). HL was found to be more cost-effective. (SMD -5.00; 95% CI-7.00 – 3.00; z = 4.90; p < 0.00001). However, no statistical difference was found between both the groups when comparing mean postoperative length of hospital stay & post-operative. Conclusions Based on the results of the above study, applying Hem-o-lok clips seems to be a safe, effacious and cost-effective way of securing the base of appendix.

Robotic Liver Surgery – Current Standards and Future Perspectives

Background Robotic liver surgery is emerging as the future of minimal invasive surgery. The robotic surgical system offers a stable camera platform, elimination of physiologic tremor, augmented surgical dexterity as well as improved ergonomics because of a seated operating position. Due to the theoretical advantages of the robotic assisted system, complex liver surgery might be an especially interesting indication for a robotic approach since it demands delicate tissue dissection, precise intracorporeal suturing as well as difficult parenchymal transection with subsequent need for meticulous hemostasis and biliostasis. Material and methods An analysis of English and German literature on open, laparoscopic and robotic liver surgery was performed and this review provides a general overview of the existing literature along with current standards and aims to specifically point out future directions of robotic liver surgery. Results Robotic liver surgery is safe and feasible compared to open and laparoscopic surgery, with improved short-term postoperative outcomes and at least non-inferior oncological outcomes. Conclusion In complex cases including major hepatectomies, extended hepatectomies with biliary reconstruction and difficult segmentectomies of the posterior-superior segments, robotic surgery appears to emerge as a reasonable alternative to open surgery rather than being an alternative to laparoscopic procedures.

Single-Site Sutureless Partial Nephrectomy for Small Exophytic Renal Tumors

Partial nephrectomy (PN) is the standard procedure for most patients with localized renal cancer. Laparoscopy has become the preferred surgical approach to target this cancer, but the steep learning curve with laparoscopic PN (LPN) remains a concern. In LPN intracorporeal suturing, the operation time is further extended even under robot assistance, a step which prolongs warm ischemic time. Herein, we shared our experience to reduce the warm ischemia time, which allows surgeons to perform LPN more easily by using a combination of hemostatic agents to safely control parenchymal bleeding. Between 2015 and 2018, we enrolled 52 patients who underwent LPN in our hospital. Single-site sutureless LPN and traditional suture methods were performed in 33 and 19 patients, respectively. Preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative variables were recorded. Renal function was evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) pre- and postoperatively. The average warm ischemia time (sutureless vs. suture group; 11.8 ± 3.9 vs. 21.2 ± 7.2 min, p < 0.001) and the operation time (167.9 ± 37.5 vs. 193.7 ± 42.5 min, p = 0.035) were significantly shorter in the sutureless group. In the sutureless group, only 2 patients suffered from massive urinary leakage (>200 mL/day) from the Jackson Pratt drainage tube, but the leakage spontaneously decreased within 7 days after surgery. eGFR and serum hemoglobin were not found to be significantly different pre- and postoperatively. All tumors were removed without a positive surgical margin. All patients were alive without recurrent tumors at mean postoperative follow-ups of 29.3 ± 12.2 months. Single-site sutureless LPN is a feasible surgical method for most patients with small exophytic renal cancer with excellent cosmetic results without affecting oncological results.

Needlescopic surgery for large umbilical hernia in a patient with morbid obesity using intraperitoneal onlay mesh with fascial defect closure: a case report

Background The European and American guidelines recommend that symptomatic umbilical hernias (UHs) are repaired using an open approach with a preperitoneal flat mesh. However, the standard treatment procedure for large UH in patients with extreme obesity is yet to be established. Here, we present the first case of a patient with morbid obesity undergoing laparoscopic UH repair using needlescopic instruments and an intraperitoneal onlay mesh plus repair (IPOM plus). Case presentation A 29-year-old man, who was classified as morbidly obese (body mass index, 36.7 kg/m2) noticed a reducible nontender mass in the umbilical region and was subsequently diagnosed with an UH, with a diameter of 4 cm. Laparoscopic IPOM plus repair was planned using a needlescopic method for a large UH in the patient with morbid obesity. A 3-mm rigid laparoscope was mainly used in the procedure. After a 12-mm trocar and two 3-mm trocars were inserted, fascial defect closure was performed using intracorporeal suturing with 0 monofilament polypropylene threads. Then, IPOM was performed laparoscopically using an 11.4-cm round mesh coated with collagen to prevent adhesions. The operative time and blood loss were 57 min and 1 g, respectively. The postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusions Reduced-port laparoscopic surgery using needlescopic instruments and an IPOM plus technique is a minimally invasive and convenient combination option for large UH in a patient with morbid obesity.