Keep it simple: a crosshair on the screen during proctored laparoscopic surgeries.

INTRODUCTION: Inside the operating room, experts use verbal instructions to guide surgical novices through laparoscopic procedures. In this study, we evaluated the use of a crosshair attached to the video monitor, as a hands-free pointing tool to simplify instructions during operation. METHODS: Ten surgical novices performed two elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies within a week of each other, randomized such that one was performed with and the other without using the crosshair. Directly after operation, questionnaires were completed by the novices and the consultant surgeons. Measures including the comprehensibility of instructions, subjective feeling of safety during preparation, time delays due to different instruction options, and disruptive influence while instructors used the crosshair. Differences in operative performance were evaluated based on the global operative assessment of laparoscopic skills (GOALS) scores. RESULTS: When the crosshair was used, surgical novices had a better understanding of which anatomical structure should be shown (p = 0.028). Operating time (p = 0.222) and feeling of confidence during preparation did not differ with versus without crosshair use (p = 0.081). All participants stated that the crosshair did not negatively affect the field of vision. In terms of the median GOALS score, the operative performance was improved when the crosshair was used compared with verbal instructions only (median 15, IQR (11; 21) vs. median 12, IQR (5; 19), p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The crosshair is a simple, inexpensive, and widely available method to improve communication between instructors and novices in everyday training.

Pelvic Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Prevents Dysfunction in Patients With Rectal Cancer: Results From a Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial of a NEUROmonitoring System (NEUROS).

OBJECTIVE: This NEUROmonitoring System (NEUROS) trial assessed whether pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring (pIONM) could improve urogenital and ano-(neo-)rectal functional outcomes in patients who underwent total mesorectal excisions (TMEs) for rectal cancer. BACKGROUND: High-level evidence from clinical trials is required to clarify the benefits of pIONM. METHODS: NEUROS was a 2-arm, randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial that included 189 patients with rectal cancer who underwent TMEs at 8 centers, from February 2013 to January 2017. TMEs were performed with pIONM (n=90) or without it (control, n=99). The groups were stratified according to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and sex, with blocks of variable length. Data were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat protocol. The primary endpoint was a urinary function at 12 months after surgery, assessed with the International Prostate Symptom Score, a patient-reported outcome measure. Deterioration was defined as an increase of at least 5 points from the preoperative score. Secondary endpoints were sexual and anorectal functional outcomes, safety, and TME quality. RESULTS: The intention-to-treat analysis included 171 patients. Marked urinary deterioration occurred in 22/171 (13%) patients, with significantly different incidence between groups (pIONM: n=6/82, 8%; control: n=16/89, 19%; 95% confidence interval, 12.4-94.4; P =0.0382). pIONM was associated with better sexual and ano-(neo)rectal function. At least 1 serious adverse event occurred in 36/88 (41%) in the pIONM group and 53/99 (54%) in the control group, none associated with the study treatment. The groups had similar TME quality, surgery times, intraoperative complication incidence, and postoperative mortality. CONCLUSION: pIONM is safe and has the potential to improve functional outcomes in rectal cancer patients undergoing TME.

Laparoscopic Electromyography and Electrostimulation of the Gastrointestinal Tract Before Placement of Theranostic Devices.

NEED: Electrical stimulation (ES) is a promising therapy for multisegmental gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders such as gastroparesis with slow-transit constipation or chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Wireless communicating GI devices for smart sensing and ES-based motility modulation will soon be available. Before placement, a potential benefit for each GI segment must be intraoperatively assessed. TECHNICAL SOLUTION: A minimally invasive multisegmental electromyography (EMG) analysis with ES of the GI tract is required. PROOF OF CONCEPT: Two porcine experiments were performed with a laparoscopic setup. Multiple hook-needle electrodes were subserosally applied in the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon. EMG signals were acquired for computer-assisted motility analysis. Gastric ES, duodenal ES, jejunal ES, ileal ES, and colonic ES were applied. NEXT STEPS: Further technological and rapid regulatory solutions are desired to initialize a clinical trial of the next generation devices in the near future. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate a laparoscopic strategy with EMG analysis and ES of multiple GI segments. Thus, GI function may be evaluated before theranostic devices are placed. Extended GI resection or organ transplantation may be delayed or even avoided in affected patients.

Using virtual 3D-models in surgical planning: workflow of an immersive virtual reality application in liver surgery.

PURPOSE: Three-dimensional (3D) surgical planning is widely accepted in liver surgery. Currently, the 3D reconstructions are usually presented as 3D PDF data on regular monitors. 3D-printed liver models are sometimes used for education and planning. METHODS: We developed an immersive virtual reality (VR) application that enables the presentation of preoperative 3D models. The 3D reconstructions are exported as STL files and easily imported into the application, which creates the virtual model automatically. The presentation is possible in "OpenVR"-ready VR headsets. To interact with the 3D liver model, VR controllers are used. Scaling is possible, as well as changing the opacity from invisible over transparent to fully opaque. In addition, the surgeon can draw potential resection lines on the surface of the liver. All these functions can be used in a single or multi-user mode. RESULTS: Five highly experienced HPB surgeons of our department evaluated the VR application after using it for the very first time and considered it helpful according to the "System Usability Scale" (SUS) with a score of 76.6%. Especially with the subitem "necessary learning effort," it was shown that the application is easy to use. CONCLUSION: We introduce an immersive, interactive presentation of medical volume data for preoperative 3D liver surgery planning. The application is easy to use and may have advantages over 3D PDF and 3D print in preoperative liver surgery planning. Prospective trials are needed to evaluate the optimal presentation mode of 3D liver models.

[Surgical Education in the Digital Age - Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Robotics in the Medical School]. / Chirurgische Ausbildung im digitalen Zeitalter ­ Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality und Robotik im Medizinstudium.

BACKGROUND: The digital transformation of healthcare is changing the medical profession. Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) and robotics are being increasingly used in different clinical contexts and require supporting education and training, which must begin within the medical school. There is currently a large discrepancy between the high demand and the number of scientifically proven concepts. The aim of this thesis was the conceptual design and structured evaluation of a newly developed learning/teaching concept for the digital transformation of medicine, with a special focus on the influence of surgical teaching. METHODS: Thirty-five students participated in three courses of the blended learning curriculum "Medicine in the digital age". The 4th module of this course deals with virtual reality, augmented reality and robotics in surgery. It is divided into the following course parts: (1) immersive surgery simulation of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, (2) liver surgery planning using AR/VR, (3) basic skills on the VR simulator for robotic surgery, (4) collaborative surgery planning in virtual space and (5) expert discussion. After completing the overall curriculum, a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the course concept was carried out by means of semi-structured interviews and standardised pre-/post-evaluation questionnaires. RESULTS: In the qualitative evaluation procedure of the interviews, 79 text statements were assigned to four main categories. The largest share (35%) was taken up by statements on the "expert discussion", which the students consider to be an elementary part of the course concept. In addition, the students perceived the course as a horizon-widening "learning experience" (29% of the statements) with high "practical relevance" (27%). The quantitative student evaluation shows a positive development in the three sub-competences knowledge, skills and attitude. CONCLUSION: Surgical teaching can be profitably used to develop digital skills. The speed of the change process of digital transformation in the surgical specialty must be considered. Curricular adaptation should be anchored in the course concept.

Da Vinci Single-Port robot-assisted transanal mesorectal excision: a promising preclinical experience.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic single-port platforms represent a viable option for advanced surgical procedures. This preclinical study investigated the dual-field, single-port, robot-assisted transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME). TECHNIQUE: In a male human cadaver, we employed the novel da Vinci® SP™ Surgical System, sequentially, to realize the transanal and abdominal parts of the taTME procedure. We evaluated the feasibility of the one-team approach. RESULTS: We showed that single-port access for the taTME was technically feasible with the current da Vinci® SP™ Surgical System in both surgical fields. The total console times were 189 min for the juxta-anal purse-string suture placement, partial intersphincteric resection, and bottom-up mesorectal dissection to where it meets the peritoneal reflection and 43 min for the abdominal procedure. A good quality specimen was achieved. The surgeon comfort was high during simulated surgery. The task load was highly acceptable (NASA-TLX global score: 35), even though it was the surgeon's first use of this platform. CONCLUSION: This preclinical study demonstrated that the robotic, single-port taTME was feasible and could be performed with the da Vinci® SP™ Surgical System, beginning at the level of the dentate line. Further simulations are necessary to confirm this promising approach.

Local, semi-automatic, three-dimensional liver reconstruction or external provider? An analysis of performance and time expense.

PURPOSE: In hepatobiliary surgery, preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction based on CT or MRI can be provided externally or by local, semi-automatic software. We analyzed the time expense and quality of external versus local three-dimensional reconstructions. METHODS: Three first-year residents reconstructed data from 20 patients with liver pathologies using a local, semi-automatic, server-based program. Initially, five randomly selected patient datasets were segmented, with the visualization of an established external company available for comparison at all times (learning phase). The other fifteen cases were compared with the external datasets after completing local reconstruction (control phase). Total time expense/case and for specific manual and semi-automated reconstruction steps were recorded. Segmentation quality was analyzed by testing the equivalence for liver and tumor volumes, portal vein sectors, and hepatic vein territories. RESULTS: The median total reconstruction time was reduced from 2.5 h (learning phase) to 1.5 h (control phase) (- 42%; p < 0.001). Comparing the total and detailed liver volumes (sectors and territories) as well as the tumor volumes in the control phase equivalence was proven. In addition, a highly significant correlation between the external and local analysis was obtained over all analyzed segments with a very high ICC (median [IQR]: 0.98 [0.97; 0.99]; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Local, semi-automatic reconstruction performed by inexperienced residents was feasible with an expert level time expense and the quality of the three-dimensional images was comparable with those from an external provider.

Quality-based assessment of camera navigation skills for laparoscopic fundoplication.

Laparoscopic fundoplication is considered the gold standard surgical procedure for the treatment of symptomatic hiatus hernia. Studies on surgical performance in minimally invasive hiatus hernia repair have neglected the role of the camera assistant so far. The current study was designed to assess the applicability of the structured assessment of laparoscopic assistance skills (SALAS) score to laparoscopic fundoplication as an advanced and commonly performed laparoscopic upper GI procedure. Randomly selected laparoscopic fundoplications (n = 20) at a single institute were evaluated. Four trained reviewers independently assigned SALAS scoring based on synchronized video and voice recordings. The SALAS score (5-25 points) consists of five key aspects of laparoscopic camera navigation as previously described. Experience in camera assistance was defined as at least 100 assistances in complex laparoscopic procedures. Nine different surgical teams, consisting of five surgical residents, three fellows, and two attending physicians, were included. Experienced and inexperienced camera assistants were equally distributed (10/10). Construct validity was proven with a significant discrimination between experienced and inexperienced camera assistants for all reviewers (P < 0.05). The intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.897 demonstrates the score's low interrater variability. The total operation time decreases with increasing SALAS score, not reaching statistical significance. The applied SALAS score proves effective by discriminating between experienced and inexperienced camera assistants in an upper GI surgical procedure. This study demonstrates the applicability of the SALAS score to a more advanced laparoscopic procedure such as fundoplication enabling future investigations on the influence of camera navigation on surgical performance and operative outcome.

Fecal incontinence after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer-impact of potential risk factors and pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring.

BACKGROUND: Fecal incontinence frequently occurs after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. This prospective study analyzed predictive factors and the impact of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring at different follow-up intervals. METHODS: Fifty-two patients were included undergoing total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer, and 29 under control of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring. Fecal incontinence was assessed using the Wexner Score at 3 and 6 months after stoma closure (follow-ups 1 and 2) as well as 1 and 2 years after surgery (follow-ups 3 and 4). Risk factors were identified by means of logistic regression. RESULTS: New onset of fecal incontinence was significantly lower in the neuromonitoring group at each follow-up (follow-up 1: 2 of 29 patients (7%) vs. 8 of 23 (35%), (p = 0.014); follow-up 2: 3 of 29 (10%) vs. 9 of 23 (39%), (p = 0.017); follow-up 3: 5 of 29 (17%) vs. 11 of 23 (48%), p = 0.019; follow-up 4: 6 of 28 (21%) vs. 11 of 22 (50%), p = 0.035). Non-performance of neuromonitoring was found to be an independent predictor for fecal incontinence throughout the survey. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was an independent predictor in the further course 1 and 2 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Performance of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring is associated with significantly lower rates of fecal incontinence. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was found to have negative late effects. This became evident 1 year after surgery.

Robotic Setup Promises Consistent Effects of Multilocular Gastrointestinal Electrical Stimulation: First Results of a Porcine Study.

BACKGROUND: Electrical stimulation (ES) of several gastrointestinal (GI) segments is a promising therapeutic option for multilocular GI dysmotility, but conventional surgical access by laparotomy involves a high degree of tissue trauma. We evaluated a minimally invasive surgical approach using a robotic surgical system to perform electromyographic (EMG) recordings and ES of several porcine GI segments, comparing these data to an open surgical approach by laparotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 5 acute porcine experiments, we placed multiple electrodes on the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon. Three experiments were performed with a median laparotomy and 2 others using a robotic platform. Multichannel EMGs were recorded, and ES was sequentially delivered with 4 ES parameters to the 5 target segments. We calculated pre- and poststimulatory spikes per minute (Spm) and performed a statistical Poisson analysis. RESULTS: Electrode placement was achieved in all cases without complications. Increased technical and implantation time were required to achieve the robotic electrode placement, but invasiveness was markedly reduced in comparison to the conventional approach. The highest calculated (c)Spm values were found in the poststimulatory period of the small bowel with both the conventional and robotic approaches. Six of the 20 Poisson test results in the open setup reached statistical significance and 12 were significant in the robotic experiments. CONCLUSIONS: The robotic setup was less invasive, revealed more consistent effects of multilocular ES in several GI segments, and is a promising option for future preclinical and clinical studies of GI motility disorders.

Higher quality camera navigation improves the surgeon's performance: Evidence from a pre-clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: To objectively assess the quality of laparoscopic camera navigation (LCN), the structured assessment of LCN skills (SALAS) score was developed and validated for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this pre-clinical study was to investigate the influence of LCN on surgical performance during virtual cholecystectomy (vCHE) using this score. METHODS: A total of 84 medical students were included in this prospective study. Individual characteristics were assessed with questionnaires. Participants completed a structured 2-day training course on a validated virtual reality laparoscopic simulator. At the end of the course, all students took over LCN during vCHE, all performed by the same surgeon. The numbers of errors regarding centering, horizon adjustment and instrument visualisation as well as manual and verbal corrections by the surgeon were recorded to calculate the SALAS score (range 5-25) to investigate the influence of LCN on surgical performance. The study population was divided by the recorded SALAS score into low and medium performers (Group A; 1st-3rd quartile; n = 60) and high performers (Group B, 4th quartile, n = 21). RESULTS: The SALAS score of the camera assistant correlates positively with the surgeon's overall performance in vCHE (P < 0.001), and the surgeon's virtual laparoscopic performance was significantly better in Group B (P < 0.001). Moreover, a significantly shorter operation time during vCHE was shown for Group B (Median (IQR); Group A: 508 s [429 s; 601 s]; Group B: 422 s [365 s; 493 s]; P = 0.001). Frequent gaming and a higher self-confidence to assist during a basic laparoscopic procedure were associated with a higher SALAS score (P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: In this pre-clinical setting, the surgeon's virtual performance is significantly influenced by the LCN quality. LCN by high performers resulted in a shorter operation time and a lower error rate.

Head-Mounted Mixed-Reality Technology During Robotic-Assisted Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision.

INTRODUCTION: Head-mounted mixed-reality technologies may enable advanced intraoperative visualization during visceral surgery. In this technical note, we describe an innovative use of real-time mixed reality during robotic-assisted transanal total mesorectal excision. TECHNIQUE: Video signals from the robotic console and video endoscopic transanal approach were displayed on a virtual monitor using a head-up display. The surgeon, assistant, and a surgical trainee used this technique during abdominal and transanal robotic-assisted total mesorectal excision. We evaluated the feasibility and usability of this approach with the use of validated scales. RESULTS: The technical feasibility of the real-time visualization provided by the current setup was demonstrated for both the robotic and transanal parts of the surgery. The surgeon, assistant, and trainee each used the mixed-reality device for 15, 55, and 35 minutes. All participants handled the device intuitively and reported a high level of comfort during the surgery. The task load was easily manageable (task load index: <4/21), although the surgeon and assistant both noted a short delay in the real-time video. CONCLUSION: The implementation of head-mounted mixed-reality technology during robotic-assisted transanal total mesorectal excision can benefit the operating surgeon, assistant, and surgical trainee. Further improvements in display quality, connectivity, and systems integration are necessary.

[Prerequisites for Safe Implementation of Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision]. / Transanale totale mesorektale Exzision ­ Voraussetzungen zur sicheren Implementierung.

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is an innovative and technically demanding surgical approach for the treatment of rectal cancer. This review summarises the international consensus statements on prerequisites and training requirements for safe implementation of this complex procedure. Recommendations will be discussed on the basis of the published surveys from dedicated training centres. Furthermore, experience is shared on mentored TaTME cadaveric courses (video) and an initial clinical series of 102 TaTMEs. The procedure should be performed primarily by postgraduate colorectal surgeons. Initially, a structured training program at designated training centers is mandatory. Cadaver training and proctoring are the central elements required to ensure safe implementation of TaTME in clinical practice. However, validation of TaTME training concepts needs further work. Evaluation of the first pioneering series indicates a learning phase with at least 40 operations. Above the cut-off, lower complication rates and acceptable quality of specimen are achieved. In our series, morbidity decreased significantly (Clavien-Dindo ≥ III: 29 vs. 9%). With the indication for TaTME, we find a median of 6 risk factors (4 - 8) for an unfavourable outcome after abdominal TME alone. Only high volume centres with a concentration of appropriately selected patients could aim for a proposed TaTME frequency of 20 per year. Structured training programs for TaTME are justified and must be completed before implementation in clinical practice. The case volume effect for the learning curve and individual patient selection are crucial and support the concentration of the new method in high volume centres.

Application of a newly designed microfork probe for robotic-guided pelvic intraoperative neuromapping.

Introduction: Robotic-assisted total mesorectal excision (TME) with pelvic intraoperative neuromapping was recently accomplished. However, neuromapping is conventionally conducted by a hand-guided laparoscopic probe. We introduce a prototype microfork probe to make robotic-guided neuromapping feasible. Experiments and Technical Setup: Two porcine experiments with nerve-sparing TME surgery were performed. A newly designed prototype bipolar microfork probe was inserted intraabdominally and guided with the robotic forceps. Intermittent neuromapping was then conducted and neuromonitoring data integrated in the surgeon console viewer. Conclusion: Robotic-guided neuromapping is shown to be feasible and fully controllable from the surgeon console.

Robot-guided neuromapping during nerve-sparing taTME for low rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative pelvic neuromapping with electrophysiological evaluation of autonomic nerve preservation during robotic total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer is conventionally performed by the bedside assistant with a hand-guided probe. Our goal was to return autonomy over the neuromonitoring process to the colorectal surgeon operating the robotic console. METHODS: A recently described prototype microfork electrostimulation probe was evaluated intraoperatively during abdominal robotic-assisted transanal TME (taTME) surgery for low rectal cancer in three consecutive male patients. RESULTS: An intraoperative video demonstrates the good control and maneuverability of the prototype probe with electrophysiological confirmation of bilateral pelvic autonomic nerve preservation. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the first in situ application of a new microfork probe for fully robot-guided neuromapping in three patients undergoing TME surgery for low rectal cancer.

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with CME: standardization using the "critical view" concept.

BACKGROUND: Complete mesocolic excision is gradually becoming an established oncologic surgical principle for right hemicolectomy. However, the procedure is technically demanding and carries the risk of serious complications, especially when performed laparoscopically. A standardized procedure that minimizes technical hazards and facilitates teaching is, therefore, highly desirable. METHODS: An expert group of surgeons and one anatomist met three times. The initial aim was to achieve consensus about the surgical anatomy before agreeing on a sequence for dissection in laparoscopic CME. This proposal was evaluated and discussed in an anatomy workshop using post-mortem body donors along with videos of process-informed procedures, leading to a definite consensus. RESULTS: In order to provide a clear picture of the surgical anatomy, the "open book" model was developed, consisting of symbolic pages representing the corresponding dissection planes (retroperitoneal, ileocolic, transverse mesocolic, and mesogastric), vascular relations, and radicality criteria. The description of the procedure is based on eight preparative milestones, which all serve as critical views of safety. The chosen sequence of the milestones was designed to maximize control during central vascular dissection. Failure to reach any of the critical views should alert the surgeon to a possible incorrect dissection and to consider converting to an open procedure. CONCLUSION: Combining the open-book anatomical model with a clearly structured dissection sequence, using critical views as safety checkpoints, may provide a safe and efficient platform for teaching laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with CME.

Novel multi-image view for neuromapping meets the needs of the robotic surgeon.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring during nerve-sparing robot-assisted total mesorectal excision (RTME) is feasible. However, visual separation of the neuromonitoring process from the surgeon console interrupts the workflow and limits the usefulness of available information as the procedure progresses. Since the robotic surgical system provides multi-image views in the surgeon console, the aim of this study was to integrate cystomanometry and internal anal sphincter electromyography signals to aid the robotic surgeon in his/her nerve-sparing technique. METHODS: We prospectively investigated 5 consecutive patients (1 male, 4 females) who underwent RTME for rectal cancer at our institution in 2017. The robotic surgery was performed using the da Vinci Xi combined with pelvic intraoperative neuromapping with real-time electromyography and cystomanometry signal transmission by multi-image view during RTME. RESULTS: The adapted two-dimensional pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring imaging successfully simulcasted to the surgeon console view in all 5 cases. The technical note is complemented by an intraoperative video. CONCLUSIONS: This report demonstrates the technical feasibility of an improved neuromonitoring process during nerve-sparing RTME. Robotic neuromapping can be fully visualized from the surgeon console.

Artificial Versus Video-Based Immersive Virtual Surroundings: Analysis of Performance and User's Preference.

INTRODUCTION: Immersive virtual reality (VR) laparoscopy simulation connects VR simulation with head-mounted displays to increase presence during VR training. The goal of the present study was the comparison of 2 different surroundings according to performance and users' preference. METHODS: With a custom immersive virtual reality laparoscopy simulator, an artificially created VR operating room (AVR) and a highly immersive VR operating room (IVR) were compared. Participants (n = 30) performed 3 tasks (peg transfer, fine dissection, and cholecystectomy) in AVR and IVR in a crossover study design. RESULTS: No overall difference in virtual laparoscopic performance was obtained when comparing results from AVR with IVR. Most participants preferred the IVR surrounding (n = 24). Experienced participants (n = 10) performed significantly better than novices (n = 10) in all tasks regardless of the surrounding ( P < .05). Participants with limited experience (n = 10) showed differing results. Presence, immersion, and exhilaration were significantly higher in IVR. Two thirds assumed that IVR would have a positive influence on their laparoscopic simulator use. CONCLUSION: This first study comparing AVR and IVR did not reveal differences in virtual laparoscopic performance. IVR is considered the more realistic surrounding and is therefore preferred by the participants.

New dimensions in surgical training: immersive virtual reality laparoscopic simulation exhilarates surgical staff.

INTRODUCTION: Virtual reality (VR) and head mount displays (HMDs) have been advanced for multimedia and information technologies but have scarcely been used in surgical training. Motion sickness and individual psychological changes have been associated with VR. The goal was to observe first experiences and performance scores using a new combined highly immersive virtual reality (IVR) laparoscopy setup. METHODS: During the study, 10 members of the surgical department performed three tasks (fine dissection, peg transfer, and cholecystectomy) on a VR simulator. We then combined a VR HMD with the VR laparoscopic simulator and displayed the simulation on a 360° video of a laparoscopic operation to create an IVR laparoscopic simulation. The tasks were then repeated. Validated questionnaires on immersion and motion sickness were used for the study. RESULTS: Participants' times for fine dissection were significantly longer during the IVR session (regular: 86.51 s [62.57 s; 119.62 s] vs. IVR: 112.35 s [82.08 s; 179.40 s]; p = 0.022). The cholecystectomy task had higher error rates during IVR. Motion sickness did not occur at any time for any participant. Participants experienced a high level of exhilaration, rarely thought about others in the room, and had a high impression of presence in the generated IVR world. CONCLUSION: This is the first clinical and technical feasibility study using the full IVR laparoscopy setup combined with the latest laparoscopic simulator in a 360° surrounding. Participants were exhilarated by the high level of immersion. The setup enables a completely new generation of surgical training.

Transanal total mesorectal excision for restorative coloproctectomy in an obese high-risk patient with colitis-associated carcinoma.

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) offers great potential for the treatment of malign and benign diseases. However, laparoscopic-assisted TaTME in ulcerative colitis has not been described in more than a handful of patients. We present a 47-year-old highly comorbid female patient with an ulcerative colitis-associated carcinoma of the ascending colon and steroid- refractory pancolitis. A two-stage restorative coloproctectomy including right-sided complete mesocolic excision was conducted. The second step consisted of a successful nerve-sparing TaTME and a handsewn ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. TaTME may extend the possible treatment options in inflammatory bowel disease, especially for high-risk patients.