Hysteroscopic resection on virtual reality simulator: What do we measure?

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to compare results of two groups of population (novices and experts) on a virtual reality simulator of hysteroscopy resection for different metrics and for a multimetric score to assess its construct validity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen gynecologist who had at least 5 years of experience with hysteroscopy and self-evaluated their expertise at 4/5 or 5/5 were included as expert population. Twenty first-year gynecology residents in Paris were included as novice population. A standardized set of 4 hysteroscopy resection cases (polypectomy, myomectomy, roller ball endometrial ablation and septum resection) was performed on a virtual reality simulator (HystSim™) by the group of novices and experts. Results obtained on the simulator for overall score and for the parameters were compared by applying the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Overall score of novices and experts were significantly different for three resection cases (polypectomy P<0.001, myomectomy P<0.001, roller ball endometrial ablation <0.001). The overall score was not different in the septum resection (P=0.456). For the four cases, the economy score (included cumulative path length, procedure time and camera alignment) were statistically different between novices and experts (polypectomy P<0.001, myomectomy P=0.001, roller ball endometrial ablation P<0.001, septum resection P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The overall score on HystSim™ was able to discriminate novices between experts on polypectomy, myomectomy and roller ball endometrial ablation cases but not on septum resection. The economy score was the more reliable to reflect the surgeon experience. It could be used to evaluate and to train students on hysteroscopic resection on a virtual reality simulator.

[Contribution of a virtual hysteroscopic simulator in the learning of hysteroscopic myoma resection]. / Apport d'un simulateur d'hystéroscopie virtuelle dans l'apprentissage de la résection hystéroscopique de fibrome.

OBJECTIVES: Uterine myomas are a frequent pathology affecting 20% of women of reproductive age. Myomas induce abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain and increase the risk of infertility and obstetrical complications. Symptomatic sub-mucosal myomas are classically treated by hysteroscopic resection. Simulation is a method of education and training. It could improve quality and security of cares. The aim of this study is to assess the interest of a hysteroscopic simulator for the resection of myoma by novice surgeons. METHODS: Twenty medical students were recruited, in a prospective study, in august 2014. The virtual-reality simulator VirtaMed HystSim™ (VirtaMed AG, Zurich, Switzerland) was used to perform the hysteroscopic training. All students received a short demonstration of myoma resection. The practice consists of a submucous myoma type 0 resection. The procedure and the evaluation were performed before and after a specific training in hysteroscopic resection of sixty minutes long. The main outcome criteria were time for the resection before and after training. The second criteria were fluid quantity used, number of contact between optic and uterine cavity and uterine perforation. RESULTS: Twenty students aged from 22 to 24 years were included. The time for the procedure was significantly reduced after training (170s versus 335s, P<0.01). There is the same for fluid quantity used (335 mL versus 717mL, P<0.01) and the number of contact between optic and uterine cavity (0.2 contact versus 3, P=0.012). No perforation occurred in the simulation. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that hysteroscopic simulator enhances and facilitates hysteroscopic resection for novice surgeons.

Techniques for contained morcellation in gynecologic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate 2 step-by-step techniques for contained morcellation of uterine tissue. DESIGN: Instructional video showing laparoscopic electromechanical morcellation within an endoscopic pouch, and alternatively, tissue extraction via ultra-minilaparotomy. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENT(S): Women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy or hysterectomy. INTERVENTION(S): For contained electromechanical morcellation, the specimen is placed within an endoscopic pouch, the edges of which are exteriorized through a 15-mm cannula. The cannula is repositioned inside the pouch for insufflation. A bladed fixation trocar enters the pouch through an assistant port and is secured by its retention disk and balloon tip. Gas inflow is changed to this assistant port, through which the laparoscope is inserted. A power morcellator is introduced via the 15-mm port site, and morcellation thus proceeds within the containment system. Residual fragments of tissue are collectively retrieved by withdrawing the endoscopic pouch. For tissue extraction via ultra-minilaparotomy, the specimen is placed within a pouch that is drawn up through a flexible, self-retaining retractor seated in a 2 to 3-cm incision. The specimen is cored out sharply with a scalpel. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): None. RESULT(S): Contained morcellation is technically feasible, efficient (mean additional operative time is approximately 30 minutes), and prevents intraperitoneal dispersion of tissue fragments. Our group has safely performed >100 such procedures and removed specimens weighing nearly 1,500 grams. Potential complications include viscous injury upon insertion of the bladed trocar, and pouch failure. CONCLUSION(S): These techniques allow surgeons to adopt the new standard of contained morcellation and permit removal of extensive pathology with a minimally invasive approach.