ABSTRACT
White light cystoscopy and the concise documentation of pathological findings are standard diagnostic procedures in urology. Additional imaging modalities and technical innovations may support clinicians in the detection of bladder tumors. Modern endoscopy systems provide ultra-high-resolution imaging and the option of digital contrast enhancement. Photodynamic diagnostics and narrow band imaging are well-established in clinical routine and have shown significant benefits in the detection of bladder cancer. By means of multispectral imaging, different modalities can now be combined in real-time. Probe-based procedures such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or Raman spectroscopy can further contribute to advanced imaging through an "optical biopsy" which may primarily improve diagnostics in the upper urinary tract. The aim of all techniques is to optimize the detection rate in order to achieve a more accurate diagnosis, resection and lower recurrence rates. Current research projects aim to digitalize the documentation of endoscopy and also make it more patient- and user-friendly. In the future, the use of image processing and artificial intelligence may automatically support the surgeon during endoscopy.
Subject(s)
Artificial Intelligence , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms , Cystoscopy , Humans , Narrow Band Imaging , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cost-effective methods to facilitate practical medical education are in high demand and the "mixed-reality" (MR) technology seems suitable to provide students with instructions when learning a new practical task. To evaluate a step-by-step mixed reality (MR) guidance system for instructing a practical medical procedure, we conducted a randomized, single-blinded prospective trial on medical students learning bladder catheter placement. METHODS: We enrolled 164 medical students. Students were randomized into 2 groups and received instructions on how to perform bladder catheter placement on a male catheterization training model. One group (107 students) were given their instructions by an instructor, while the other group (57 students) were instructed via an MR guidance system using a Microsoft HoloLens. Both groups did hands on training. A standardized questionnaire covering previous knowledge, interest in modern technologies and a self-evaluation was filled out. In addition, students were asked to evaluate the system's usability. We assessed both groups's learning outcome via a standardized OSCE (objective structured clinical examination). RESULTS: Our evaluation of the learning outcome revealed an average point value of 19.96 ± 2,42 for the control group and 21.49 ± 2.27 for the MR group - the MR group's result was significantly better (p = 0.00). The self-evaluations revealed no difference between groups, however, the control group gave higher ratings when evaluating the quality of instructions. The MR system's assessment showed less usability, with a cumulative SUS (system usability scale) score of 56.6 (lower half) as well as a cumulative score of 24.2 ± 7.3 (n = 52) out of 100 in the NASA task load index. CONCLUSIONS: MR is a promising tool for instructing practical skills, and has the potential to enable superior learning outcomes. Advances in MR technology are necessary to improve the usability of current systems. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trial Register ID: DRKS00013186.
Subject(s)
Augmented Reality , Computer-Assisted Instruction/methods , Education, Medical, Graduate/methods , Urinary Catheterization , Virtual Reality , Adult , Clinical Competence , Diagnostic Self Evaluation , Educational Measurement , Female , Humans , Male , Prospective Studies , Single-Blind Method , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Insertion of ureteral catheters is a common procedure in kidney transplantation. The stent is usually removed by cystoscope. Magnetic ureteral stents may be an alternative to conventional stents. OBJECTIVE: To assess the functional efficacy and feasibility of magnetic double J (DJ) stents in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: We used 6 Fr (diameter), 22 cm (length) magnetic DJs. We examined 7 cases of exclusively AB0-identical living donations. Stent were removed 10-12 days after transplantation. Ureteral Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to determine quality of life and pain of the recipients. The total removal time was recorded and cost reduction was calculated. RESULTS: Removal of the magnetic DJ was successful in all cases. The mean±SD duration of the removal was 3.4±1.6 min. The mean±SD overall pain score on the VAS during the procedure was 2.6±1.1. Using this technique was associated with a cost reduction of 130. CONCLUSION: Using magnetic ureteral stents is a feasible option for living donation AB0-identical kidney transplant recipients.
