Evaluation of a remote-controlled laparoscopic camera holder for basic laparoscopic skills acquisition: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Unsteady camera movement and poor visualization contribute to a difficult learning curve for laparoscopic surgery. Remote-controlled camera holders (RCHs) aim to mitigate these factors and may be used to overcome barriers to learning. Our aim was to evaluate performance benefits to laparoscopic skill acquisition in novices using a RCH. METHODS: Novices were randomized into groups using a human camera assistant (HCA) or the FreeHand v1.0 RCH and trained in the (E-BLUS) curriculum. After completing training, a surgical workload questionnaire (SURG-TLX) was issued to participants. RESULTS: Forty volunteers naïve in laparoscopic skill were randomized into control and intervention groups (n = 20) with intention-to-treat analysis. Each participant received up to 10 training sessions using the E-BLUS curriculum. Competency was reached in the peg transfer task in 5.5 and 7.6 sessions for the ACH and HCA groups, respectively (P = 0.015), and 3.6 and 6.8 sessions for the laparoscopic suturing task (P = 0.0004). No significance differences were achieved in the circle cutting (P = 0.18) or needle guidance tasks (P = 0.32). The RCH group experienced significantly lower workload (P = 0.014) due to lower levels of distraction (P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Remote-controlled camera holders have demonstrated the potential to significantly benefit intra-operative performance and surgical experience where camera movement is minimal. Future high-quality studies are needed to evaluate RCHs in clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN 83733979.

Current status of wet lab and cadaveric simulation in urological training: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: We undertook a systematic review of the use of wet lab (animal and cadaveric) simulation models in urological training, with an aim to establishing a level of evidence (LoE) for studies and level of recommendation (LoR) for models, as well as evaluating types of validation. METHODS: Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for English-language studies using search terms including a combination of "surgery," "surgical training," and "medical education." These results were combined with "wet lab," "animal model," "cadaveric," and "in-vivo." Studies were then assigned a LoE and LoR if appropriate as per the education-modified Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine classification. RESULTS: A total of 43 articles met the inclusion criteria. There was a mean of 23.1 (±19.2) participants per study with a median of 20. Overall, the studies were largely of low quality, with 90.7% of studies being lower than LoE 2a (n=26 for LoE 2b and n=13 for LoE 3). The majority (72.1%, n=31) of studies were in animal models and 27.9% (n=12) were in cadaveric models. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation in urological education is becoming more prevalent in the literature, however, there is a focus on animal rather than cadaveric simulation, possibly due to cost and ethical considerations. Studies are also predominately of a low LoE; higher LoEs, especially randomized controlled studies, are needed.

The role of dry-lab and cadaveric simulation for cystoscopy and intravesical Botulinum toxin injections.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess validity of the ETXY Multifunctional trainer (ProDelphus, Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil), a bench-top dry-lab model for simulation of cystoscopy and intravesical injections of Botulinum Toxin A (BTX-A) injections, in terms of educational value, feasibility and acceptability as well as evaluating the use of fresh frozen cadavers for intravesical BTX-A injections. METHODS: Prospective study with novice trainees and urologists (n=58) trained by experts (n=14) in a 30-min hands-on training session in intravesical administration of BTX-A over 6 training sessions throughout one year. Outcome measures were demonstrated through distribution and analysis of evaluation surveys on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: There were 56 participants (96.6%) believed that the model has a role in training for the procedure. Participants also reported the training being an important confidence-booster for performing BTX-A injections (mean: 4.05/5) and useful for teaching procedural steps (mean: 3.89). Experts highly rated the realism of the simulator especially in simulation of needle penetration (mean: 3.98) and delivery (mean 4.03). Fresh frozen cadavers had a mean realism rating of 4.54 and participants affirmed that they should be routinely used for training and assessment (mean: 3.92). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated face and content validity in addition to establishing the feasibility and acceptability of the ETXY Multifunctional model in the training of intravesical BTX-A administration. Additionally, the simulator demonstrated educational value and fresh frozen cadavers were shown to be the preferred simulation modality for this procedure. Further evaluation in randomised controlled studies is needed to demonstrate higher evidence quality.

Nontechnical Skills in Surgery: A Systematic Review of Current Training Modalities.

BACKGROUND: The complexity of the operating room requires a surgeon to have both technical ability and an array of nontechnical skills. The emphasis on technical skills during surgical training is well established, however it is deficiencies in nontechnical skills that have been identified as the main cause of errors in the operating room. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to identify current methods used to teach nontechnical skills and how these methods are assessed to determine their validity, evidence, and role in training. METHODS: MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for English language articles between 2000 and 2017 for nontechnical surgical skills training. Original research articles were included if they described non-technical surgical skills training modalities and their assessment. Results were assessed for the level of evidence and each modality was awarded a level of recommendation, using a modified educational Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine classification, as adapted by the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies were identified pertaining to high fidelity simulation (n = 8), low fidelity simulation (n = 6), didactic teaching (n = 2) and crisis resource management (n = 3). Of the included studies 1 was classified Level 1b, 1 level 2b, 7 level 2b, 2 level 2c, and 8 level 3. CONCLUSION: With the importance of nontechnical skills being increasingly recognized, it is essential for surgeons to receive adequate training in nontechnical skills. Therefore the most valuable teaching modalities such as high and low fidelity simulation needs to be implemented into surgical training curricula.

Learning Curves in Urolithiasis Surgery: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Procedures for urolithiasis are a core part of the development for the urologist in training. Understanding the learning curve of the procedures is important, allowing for planning in the training and assessment of trainees. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature pertaining to learning curves in urolithiasis surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The review was registered on the PROSPERO database and conducted in keeping with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO were systematically searched from inception to January 2018, with a reference review conducted. All empirical studies on learning curves in urolithiasis surgery were included irrespective of procedure. Articles describing pediatric surgery, nontechnical skills in surgery, or those not written in English were excluded. RESULTS: Of 390 articles identified from screening, a final 18 studies were included. Fourteen studies identified the learning curve in percutaneous nephrolithotomy. These studies identified a learning curve of between 30 and 60 cases for both operative time (OT) and complication rates. Four articles focused on flexible ureteroscopy (FURS); the learning curve for FURS has been outlined as 60 cases for OT and 56 cases for fragmentation efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: The complexities of determining learning curves are extensive; studies use different parameters to measure outcomes and observe skill acquisition rates of surgeons with differing prior experience. Evidence in this article can guide trainee urologists with regard to the expected rate of progress. Multi-operator multicenter research utilizing standard outcome measures should be conducted to establish definitive learning curves.

Validation of the Advanced Scope Trainer for Flexible Ureterorenoscopy Training.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the Advanced Scope Trainer (AST; Mediskills, Northampton, UK). The AST is a currently unvalidated simulator, developed for flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) training. This study aims to assess the face, content, construct, and concurrent validity to assess the level of transferability of skills to the operating room. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, observational, and comparative study recruited novices (n = 19) and trainees (n = 34), with participants performing a diagnostic fURS, followed by removal of a lower pole stone, on the AST. Fifteen participants performed a fURS on fresh frozen cadavers to assess concurrent validity. Trainees were supervised by expert urologists (n = 7) during each procedure. Performance was evaluated using the validated Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) assessment. Face and content validity were demonstrated by anonymous surveys from participants and faculty. RESULTS: Face validity assessment revealed that trainees found the simulator was 76% realistic (3.8/5 on a Likert scale). Laser stone fragmentation (4.11 ± 0.85) and manual stone extraction (4.03 ± 0.85) were thought to be the most realistic components and guidewire insertion (3.14 ± 1.35) the least. Participants also believed the simulator to be useful, giving transferrable skills to take into the operating room, demonstrating content validity. Using an OSATS assessment, concurrent validity was demonstrated in "respect for tissue" (P = .0105) and "time and motion" (P = .0196). Construct validity was also demonstrated when comparing novices to trainees (mean OSATS 10.11 ± 2.28 vs 23.89 ± 5.38). CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated face, content, construct, and concurrent validity of the AST for fURS training. Further evaluation is necessary to demonstrate construct and predictive validity of skills gained using the model.

Training Modalities in Robot-assisted Urologic Surgery: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Novel surgical techniques demand that surgical training adapts to the need for technical and nontechnical skills. OBJECTIVE: To identify training methods available for robot-assisted surgical (RAS) training in urology, evaluate their effectiveness in terms of validation, educational impact, acceptability, and cost effectiveness, and assess their effect on learning curves (LCs). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines searched Ovid Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. Results were screened to include appropriate studies. Quality was evaluated. Each method was evaluated, and conclusions were drawn regarding LCs. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Of 359 records, 24 were included (521 participants). Training methods included dry-lab training (n=7), wet-lab training (n=7), mentored training (n=7), and nonstructured pathways (n=5). Dry-lab training demonstrated educational impact by reducing console time and was acceptable in a study; 100% of participants confirmed face validity. Wet-lab training principally uses human cadaveric material; effectiveness is well rated, although dry-lab training and observation were rated as equally useful. Mentored programmes combine lectures, tutorials, observation, simulation, and proctoring. Minifellowships were linked to greater practice of RAS 1 yr later. LCs vary according to experience. One study found that surgeons from robot-related fellowships demonstrated fewer positive surgical margins than surgeons from laparoscopic-related fellowships (24% vs 34.6%; p=0.05) and reduced time (132 vs 152min; p=0.0003). Five studies examined nonstructured training pathways (clinical practice). Experience correlated with fewer complications (p=0.007), improved continence (p=0.049), and reduced time (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: RAS training methods include dry and wet lab, mentored training, and nonstructured pathways. Limited available evidence suggests that they affect LCs differently and are rarely used alone. The different methods of training appear effective when combined. Their benefits must be explored to facilitate validated acceptable training with educational impact. PATIENT SUMMARY: Robot-assisted training encompasses several methods used in combination, but more evidence is required to gain the greatest benefit and formulate future training pathways.

Simulation training in upper tract endourology: myth or reality?

Surgeons training in the twenty-first century are subject to a myriad of pressures, as has always been the case within surgical training. These include reduced hours available for training and increased threat of litigation against their operating practice. The Halstedian approach of "see one, do one, teach one" has been replaced within surgical training and simulation has become established to enable urology trainees to develop technical and non-technical skills away from the operating room. With the primary focus as patient safety and increasing operating skill, "simulation training" encompasses several modalities. These include wet-lab cadaveric and animal models, dry lab, high fidelity, low-fidelity and virtual reality (VR). These can be used to practice generic surgical skills, such as laparoscopic suturing or knot tying on a robotic console. Beyond this there is potential for simulation training courses and full-immersion simulation to address non-technical skills and team aspects within the operating room. To incorporate simulators into training, models must be carefully designed and evaluated according to certain considerations, ensuring that they address parameters such as face, content and construct validity. This review aimed to provide an overview of simulation platforms available within endourology, considering ureterorenoscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy and the status of their validation.

Ischaemic priapism: A clinical review.

OBJECTIVE: Ischaemic priapism is a rare condition characterised by little or no cavernosal blood flow, pain and rigidity of the penis. Immediate intervention is required to restore blood flow, prevent necrosis and erectile dysfunction. This review was conducted to determine the best course of treatment and identify areas in current guidelines to which improvements could be made. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, Ovid, MEDLINE (1946-December 2016) and the Cochrane Library were searched as sources for literature. Key studies in each of the areas of management were identified and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 45 articles were reviewed. The first step in treatment should be aspiration of corporeal blood. Further studies are needed to make firm recommendations as to whether irrigation should follow, as currently literature is inconclusive. If this fails to cause detumescence, sympathomimetics should be injected. The sympathomimetic of choice is phenylephrine as it is effective, specific and causes minimal cardiovascular side effects. It should be injected at a concentration of 100-500 µg/mL, with 1 mL being injected every 3-5 minutes for up to an hour (maximum 1mg in an hour). Surgical shunting is the next step, except in the cases of delayed priapism (48-72 hours duration) where immediate penile prosthesis insertion may be considered more appropriate. Distal shunts should be performed first, followed by proximal ones to minimise damage leading to erectile dysfunction. There exists little evidence recommending one shunting procedure over another. The final intervention is insertion of a penile prosthesis. Literature suggests that an inflatable prosthesis inserted immediately will yield the greatest patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: A review of the literature has highlighted areas in which further research needs to be done to make conclusive recommendations, including whether irrigation should accompany aspiration and efficacy of shunting procedures. Further studies are required to ensure that patients receive the treatment most likely to cause detumescence and maintain erectile function.

The effectiveness of Google GLASS as a vital signs monitor in surgery: A simulation study.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the effectiveness of the Google GLASS as a vital signs monitor in a surgical setting and identify potential uses. METHODS: This prospective, observational and comparative study recruited novice (n = 24), intermediate (n = 8) and expert urologists (n = 5). All candidates performed a procedure on the GreenLight Simulator within a simulated setting using a standard vital signs monitor and then the Google GLASS. The time taken to respond to abnormal vital signs during both sessions was recorded. A quantitative survey was used to assess the usability and acceptability of the Google GLASS surgery. RESULTS: The majority (84%) of participants responded quicker to abnormal signs with the Google GLASS compared to a standard monitor (p = 0.0267). The average simulation score during a standard-monitor and GLASS-session scored to be statistically insignificant (p = 0.253). All parameters of simulation were also similar in both sessions including average sweep speed (p = 0.594), average blood loss (p = 0.761) and average grams vaporised (p = 0.102). DISCUSSION: Surgical performance between both sessions was similar and not hampered by the use of Google GLASS. Furthermore, 81% of candidates stated the GLASS was comfortable to wear during the procedure. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that head-mounted displays such as the Google GLASS are potentially useful in surgery to aid patient care without hampering the surgeons view. It is hoped that the innovation and evolution of these devices triggers the potential future application of such devices within the medical field.

Image guided robotic surgery: current evidence for effectiveness in urology.

OBJECTIVES: Discussion of the evolution of image guided surgery (IGS) and its fundamental components and current evidence for effectiveness of IGS in clinical urology. METHODS: Literature search for image-guided robotic urology. RESULTS: Current literature in image-guided robotic urology with its use in robot assisted radical prostatectomy and robot assisted partial nephrectomy are shown. CONCLUSIONS: Image guided surgery can be a useful aid to improve visualisation of anatomy and subsurface structures during minimally invasive surgery. Soft-tissue deformation makes it difficult to implement IGS in urology but current studies have shown an attempt to address this issue. The feasibility of IGS requires randomised control trials assessing in particular its accuracy and affect on clinical outcome.

Minimally invasive cystectomy approaches in the treatment of bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer is the most frequently occurring tumor of the urinary system, with over 10,000 new diagnoses each year in the UK. Approximately 70% of these are non-muscle-invasive and limited to the mucosa (Ta) or submucosa (T1). These tumors are generally managed with transurethral resection followed by adjuvant intravesical chemo- or immuno-therapy and regular cystoscopic surveillance. The principal end points in the management of these tumors are prevention of recurrence and progression. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer is a life-threatening disease with overall 5-year mortality of 50%. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, where possible followed by radical surgery, is currently considered the best standard of care. Open radical cystectomy is the gold-standard treatment for muscle-invasive or high-risk non-muscle-invasive (multifocal or recurrence after intravesical therapy) bladder cancer. Historically, this procedure has carried significant morbidity, although mortality of open radical cystectomy has reduced to 1-2% owing to improvements in anesthesia and intensive care facilities. Over the last 15 years, minimally invasive techniques in radical cystectomy have evolved, with the aim of reducing morbidity. In this article, we review the development of laparoscopic radical cystectomy and robot-assisted radical cystectomy, along with current evidence on perioperative morbidity and medium-term oncological outcomes.

Face, content and construct validity of a virtual reality simulator for robotic surgery (SEP Robot).

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to establish face, content and construct validation of the SEP Robot (SimSurgery, Oslo, Norway) in order to determine its value as a training tool. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The tasks used in the validation of this simulator were arrow manipulation and performing a surgeon's knot. Thirty participants (18 novices, 12 experts) completed the procedures. RESULTS: The simulator was able to differentiate between experts and novices in several respects. The novice group required more time to complete the tasks than the expert group, especially suturing. During the surgeon's knot exercise, experts significantly outperformed novices in maximum tightening stretch, instruments dropped, maximum winding stretch and tool collisions in addition to total task time. A trend was found towards the use of less force by the more experienced participants. CONCLUSIONS: The SEP robotic simulator has demonstrated face, content and construct validity as a virtual reality simulator for robotic surgery. With steady increase in adoption of robotic surgery world-wide, this simulator may prove to be a valuable adjunct to clinical mentorship.

One hand is better than two: conversion from pure laparoscopic to the hand-assisted approach during difficult nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of conversion from a laparoscopic to an open approach during nephrectomy is reported at 6-8%. Conversion to an open procedure may be necessary to control haemorrhage or allow progress in dissection but the well established benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) are obviously lost. Hand-assisted laparoscopy (HAL) also offers the benefits to the patient of MIS. We have used HAL to convert from the pure laparoscopic approach during difficult nephrectomies, rather than converting to traditional open surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of our prospective database was carried out to identify any conversions from the pure laparoscopic approach during nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy for benign or malignant disease. RESULTS: A total of 87 laparoscopic nephrectomies (LNs) were identified over a 3-year period. There were five conversions to the HAL approach (5.7%) and no conversions to open surgery. The reason for conversion was failure to progress in all five cases. Operative times averaged 190 minutes with blood loss of 180 ml. Histology revealed xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in four cases and renal cell carcinoma in one case. The median postoperative stay was 4 days. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion to HAL during LN maintains the benefits of MIS in difficult nephrectomy and should be considered prior to converting to open surgery.

Hexylaminolaevulinate fluorescence cystoscopy in patients previously treated with intravesical bacille Calmette-Guérin.

OBJECTIVE To determine if hexylaminolaevulinate fluorescence cystoscopy (HAL-FC) has the potential to improve the diagnosis of bladder cancer in patients who have been treated with bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients scheduled for rigid cystoscopy after BCG therapy were recruited prospectively between April 2005 and February 2006. Patients received HAL (Hexvix, PhotoCure ASA, Oslo, Norway) and the D-light system (Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) was used to detect fluorescence. The bladder was mapped and biopsies taken under white light and then using HAL-FC. The main outcome was the frequency and nature of additional pathology detected by HAL-FC. Twenty-seven patients (21 men and six women; median age 70 years, range 49-82) underwent 32 HAL-FC. RESULTS Recurrent bladder cancer was detected in 11 of the 32 (34%) examinations. HAL-FC detected additional pathology in five of the 27 (19%) patients. In two of these cases the additional pathology was clinically significant (one pT4G3 intraprostatic transitional cell carcinoma and one intravesical pT1G2 + carcinoma in situ), whereas in three cases the pathology was hyperplasia/dysplasia. Overall, the false-positive biopsy rate with HAL-FC was 63%. In the presence of positive voided urine cytology six of eight patients had recurrent bladder tumour and the false-positive biopsy rate was only 34%. Urine cytology was positive in four of five of the patients in whom additional pathology was detected by HAL-FC. CONCLUSIONS Clinically significant occult pathology can be detected using HAL-FC after BCG therapy, but in <10% of cases. The rate of false-positive biopsies is high but in our hands appears to be lower than with white-light guided biopsies after BCG. Our pragmatic approach is to use HAL-FC after BCG when clinical suspicion is high, and when the preoperative voided urine cytology is positive.

Hexylaminolevulinate photodynamic diagnosis for multifocal recurrent nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential for hexylaminolevulinate (HAL) photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) to improve the management of multifocal recurrent nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with a history of NMIBC and with at least two suspected papillary recurrences were enrolled in this prospective study between April 2005 and October 2006. The photosensitizer was hexylaminolevulinate (HAL) (PhotoCure, Norway), and the Storz D-light system was used to detect fluorescence. The bladder was mapped initially under white light and then using HAL-photodynamic diagnosis (PDD). The number and types of additional lesions detected by HAL-PDD over white light cystoscopy were measured. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (11 men), median age 74 years (range 35-84 yrs), underwent HAL-PDD. The median HAL instillation time was 109 minutes (range 60-250 min). Recurrent bladder cancer was confirmed histologically in 14/18 (78%) patients. Additional pathology was detected in 8/14 (57%) patients with confirmed recurrence and confirmed histologically in 6 of these. Additional pathology was papillary in 5/6 (83%) patients, and flat pathology was found in all six patients with additional foci. Carcinoma in situ (CIS) was detected in 4/6 (67%) patients with additional foci, three of whom were subsequently treated with intravesical bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG). The sensitivity of HAL-PDD for the detection of tumor was 97.8%, compared with 69.6% for white light cystoscopy. The false-positive fluorescence-guided biopsy rate was 18/63 (29%). CONCLUSION: HAL-PDD allows more complete management of bladder tumor in patients with multifocal recurrence. The high frequency of additional lesions detected and the rate of detection of CIS suggest that HAL-PDD should be the standard of care.

Robotic-assisted surgery for benign urological conditions.

Robotic technology for use in surgery has advanced considerably in the past 10 years. This has become particularly apparent in urology where robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy using the da Vinci surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, CA) has become very popular. The use of robotic assistance for benign urological procedures is less well documented. This article considers the current robotic technology and reviews the situation with regard to robotic surgery for benign urological conditions.