Sanne M. B. I. Botden

Augmented versus virtual reality laparoscopic simulation : What is the difference? A comparison of the ProMIS augmented reality laparoscopic simulator versus LapSim virtual reality laparoscopic simulator

BackgroundVirtual reality (VR) is an emerging new modality for laparoscopic skills training; however, most simulators lack realistic haptic feedback. Augmented reality (AR) is a new laparoscopic simulation system offering a combination of physical objects and VR simulation. Laparoscopic instruments are used within an hybrid mannequin on tissue or objects while using video tracking. This study was designed to assess the difference in realism, haptic feedback, and didactic value between AR and VR laparoscopic simulation.MethodsThe ProMIS AR and LapSim VR simulators were used in this study. The participants performed a basic skills task and a suturing task on both simulators, after which they filled out a questionnaire about their demographics and their opinion of both simulators scored on a 5-point Likert scale. The participants were allotted to 3 groups depending on their experience: experts, intermediates and novices. Significant differences were calculated with the paired t-test.ResultsThere was general consensus in all groups that the ProMIS AR laparoscopic simulator is more realistic than the LapSim VR laparoscopic simulator in both the basic skills task (mean 4.22 resp. 2.18, P < 0.000) as well as the suturing task (mean 4.15 resp. 1.85, P < 0.000). The ProMIS is regarded as having better haptic feedback (mean 3.92 resp. 1.92, P < 0.000) and as being more useful for training surgical residents (mean 4.51 resp. 2.94, P < 0.000).ConclusionsIn comparison with the VR simulator, the AR laparoscopic simulator was regarded by all participants as a better simulator for laparoscopic skills training on all tested features.

Camera navigation and tissue manipulation; are these laparoscopic skills related?

BackgroundIt is a tacit assumption that clinically based expertise in laparoscopic tissue manipulation entails skilfulness in angled laparoscope navigation. The main objective of this study was to investigate the relation between these skills. To this end, face and construct validity had to be established for the place arrow (PA) and camera navigation (CN) tasks on the SimSurgery SEP.MethodsThirty-three novices (no laparoscopy experience) and 33 experienced participants (>50 laparoscopic procedures and familiar with angled laparoscopy) performed both tasks twice, on one of two hardware platforms (SimSurgery SimPack or Xitact/Mentice IHP), and rated the realism and didactic value of SimSurgery SEP on five-point scales.ResultsBoth tasks were rated by the experienced participants as realistic (CN: 3.7; PA: 4.1) and SimSurgery SEP as a user-friendly environment to train basic skills (4.1). Both tasks were performed in less time by the experienced group, with shorter tip trajectories. For both groups jointly, the time to accomplish each task correlated with the tip trajectory and also with the time and tip trajectories of the opposite task (Spearman’s correlation, p ≤ 0.05). Within the groups however, the performances on both tasks did not always correlate.ConclusionsA correlation was not always found between the performances on the two tasks, which suggests that clinically based expertise in tissue manipulation does not automatically entail skilfulness in angled laparoscope navigation, and vice versa. Training and assessment of basic laparoscopic skills should focus on these tasks independently. More research is needed to better identify the skills and required proficiency levels for different laparoscopic tasks.

ProMIS augmented reality training of laparoscopic procedures face validity.

Background: Conventional video trainers lack the ability to assess the trainee objectively, but offer modalities that are often missing in virtual reality simulation, such as realistic haptic feedback. The ProMIS augmented reality laparoscopic simulator retains the benefit of a traditional box trainer, by using original laparoscopic instruments and tactile tasks, but additionally generates objective measures of performance. Methods: Fifty-five participants performed a “basic skills” and “suturing and knot-tying” task on ProMIS, after which they filled out a questionnaire regarding realism, haptics, and didactic value of the simulator, on a 5-point-Likert scale. The participants were allotted to 2 experience groups: “experienced” (>50 procedures and >5 sutures; N = 27), and “moderately experienced” (<50 procedures and <5 sutures; N = 28). Results: General consensus among all participants, particularly the experienced, was that ProMIS is a useful tool for training (mean: 4.67, SD: 0.48). It was considered very realistic (mean: 4.44, SD: 0.66), with good haptics (mean: 4.10, SD: 0.97) and didactic value (mean 4.10, SD: 0.65). Conclusions: This study established the face validity of the ProMIS augmented reality simulator for “basic skills” and “suturing and knot-tying” tasks. ProMIS was considered a good tool for training in laparoscopic skills for surgical residents and surgeons.

Face, content, and construct validity of a novel portable ergonomic simulator for basic laparoscopic skills

OBJECTIVE Laparoscopic skills can be improved effectively through laparoscopic simulation. The purpose of this study was to verify the face and content validity of a new portable Ergonomic Laparoscopic Skills simulator (Ergo-Lap simulator) and assess the construct validity of the Ergo-Lap simulator in 4 basic skills tasks. DESIGN Four tasks were evaluated: 2 different translocation exercises (a basic bimanual exercise and a challenging single-handed exercise), an exercise involving tissue manipulation under tension, and a needle-handling exercise. Task performance was analyzed according to speed and accuracy. The participants rated the usability and didactic value of each task and the Ergo-Lap simulator along a 5-point Likert scale. SETTING Institutional academic medical center with its affiliated general surgery residency. PARTICIPANTS Forty-six participants were allotted into 2 groups: a Novice group (n = 26, <10 clinical laparoscopic procedures) and an Experienced group (n = 20, >50 clinical laparoscopic procedures). RESULTS The Experienced group completed all tasks in less time than the Novice group did (p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). The Experienced group also completed tasks 1, 2, and 4 with fewer errors than the Novice group did (p < 0.05). Of the Novice participants, 96% considered that the present Ergo-Lap simulator could encourage more frequent practice of laparoscopic skills. In addition, 92% would like to purchase this simulator. All of the experienced participants confirmed that the Ergo-Lap simulator was easy to use and useful for practicing basic laparoscopic skills in an ergonomic manner. Most (95%) of these respondents would recommend this simulator to other surgical trainees. CONCLUSIONS This Ergo-Lap simulator with multiple tasks was rated as a useful training tool that can distinguish between various levels of laparoscopic expertise. The Ergo-Lap simulator is also an inexpensive alternative, which surgical trainees could use to update their skills in the skills laboratory, at home, or in the office.

Developing a realistic model for the training of the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Introduction: A realistic human anatomy simulation model developed for training to perform laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (antireflux surgery) could reduce the need and use of animal tissue models. This article elaborates the designing process of this model and the development process used to create the abdominal organs with realistic haptic feedback. Method: Before developing the artificial organs, first the mechanical characteristics of human tissue were examined. Next, separate animal organs that resembled these characteristics the closest was used to create the model. The haptic feedback of the intra-abdominal organs variables studied included tissue, geometry, and context. The stress–strain curves of the different tissues were calculated and compared with the properties of industrial materials to find the best material for the production of the organs. Results: The aspects that influenced haptic feedback as determined above and used to select the most promising material groups were: E-modulus, density, coefficient of friction, sensitivity to tearing, wall thickness, and shelf life. Based on these criteria, silicone and latex materials mimiked human tissue best. Changeable velvet rope was used for connections of the organs to the surface and other simulated tissue. Conclusions: A reusable modular model of the upper abdomen anatomy with haptic properties was created for training of upper gastrointestinal surgery laparoscopic procedures, such as the Nissen fundoplication.

Duhamel versus transanal endorectal pull through (TERPT) for the surgical treatment of Hirschsprung’s disease

For the surgical treatment of Hirschsprung’s disease, several surgical techniques are used to resect the distal aganglionic colon. Two frequently used techniques are the Duhamel procedure and the transanal endorectal pull-through procedure. During the ‘8th Pediatric Colorectal Course’ in Nijmegen, November 2015, a workshop was organized to share experiences of both techniques by several experts in the field and to discuss (long term) outcomes. Specifically, the objective of the meeting was to discuss the main controversies in relation to the technical execution of both procedures in order to make an initial assessment of the limitations of available evidence for clinical decision-making and to formulate a set of preliminary recommendations for current clinical care and future research.

Bilateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia: prognostic evaluation of a large international cohort

BACKGROUND Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a lethal birth defect, which occurs in 1:2000-3000 live births. Bilateral CDH is a rare form (1%), with a high mortality. This study presents the outcomes of the largest cohort of bilateral CDH patients. METHODS The records of patients with bilateral CDH from the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Registry born between 1995 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed to identify parameters associated with mortality. RESULTS Eighty patients with a bilateral CDH were identified. Overall mortality was 74% (n=59). Apgar scores at 1 and 5min were statistically lower in the non-survivors compared to the survivors (median 3.0 and 5.0, versus 6.5 and 8.0, respectively, p<0.001). All survivors were repaired (n=21), compared to 22% of the non-survivors (n=17). The type of repair was equally divided in the survivors (52% primary versus 48% patch), while non-survivors were mainly patch repaired (82% versus 12%). Nineteen were treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) (24%), only three of them survived. When calculating the risk on mortality for the patients who lived until repair, ECMO had an adjusted odds ratio for mortality of 10.8 (95% CI: 2.0-57.7) and patch repair 5.2 (95% CI: 0.8-34.9). CONCLUSIONS The treatment of bilateral CDH patients remains challenging with a high mortality rate. Lower Apgar-scores, ECMO (probably as a surrogate for the severity of disease), and patch repair were negatively associated with outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV study.

Factors related to long-term surgical morbidity in congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors

BACKGROUND Patients born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) have a high mortality and morbidity. After discharge, complications and long-term morbidity are still encountered. This study describes the factors related to the surgical long-term outcomes in CDH survivors. METHODS A cohort of CDH patients born between 2000 and 2014, with a minimum of two years follow up, were included in this retrospective study. Demographics, CDH specific characteristics, treatment, and long-term surgical outcome were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS 112 patients were included, with a mean follow up of 7.3 years (SD 3.8). The majority had primary repair, but 31% received patch repair. Recurrence was reported in 7% of all patients. However, recurrence risk increased for patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment (ORadjusted: 6.3, 95% CI: 1.2-33.9). This risk was highest for patients needing both ECMO and patch repair (OR: 11.2, 95% CI: 2.3-54.1). Small bowel obstructions (SBO) were observed in 20% and was associated with patch repair (ORadjusted: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.2-10.0), but ECMO treatment seemed to reduce this risk (ORadjusted: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.0-1.0). Thoracic deformations (36%) was diagnosed most often after patch repair, especially when ECMO was needed (60%) as well. CONCLUSIONS This retrospective study shows that the incidence of surgical long-term morbidity of CDH is relatively high, with different factors accounting for this. Diaphragmatic hernia recurrence was strongest associated with ECMO treatment in combination with patch repair, while SBOs were associated with patch repair, with an unexpected protective effect of ECMO treatment. TYPE OF STUDY Retrospective comparative study - Level III evidence.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is associated with nonscrotal testes

BACKGROUND Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare birth defect with a high mortality and morbidity. Nonscrotal testes (NST) are the most reported genital anomaly in boys. Both defects have known associated anomalies, but little is known about the association between CDH and NST. This study evaluates this association and the location of the NST in a large cohort of male CDH survivors. Moreover, we analyzed possible associative factors for NST in CDH patients. METHODS A cohort of CDH patients, born between January 2000 and March 2014 and treated in a high volume expertise center, was evaluated retrospectively. Boys with a minimum follow-up of 18months were included. The patients were evaluated for testes location, performed orchidopexy, and possible associative factors such as birth weight, gestational age, other congenital anomalies and CDH characteristics (surgical treatment, approach and ECMO). RESULTS Seventy-five CDH patients were included. Twenty-seven (36%) were diagnosed with NST, of which 22 (29%) received orchidopexy. In 54 patients (72%) there were reports on testes location at birth and location was known for all patients at the age of 18months, although side of NST was unknown in four. The location of the NST was mostly ipsilateral to the CDH (n=20, 87%), of which eight (35%) had a bilateral NST with a unilateral CDH. There were no significant differences in birth weight, gestational age, and CDH specific characteristics in patients with or without NST. CONCLUSION This study shows a strong association between CDH and NST, with a prevalence of 36%. However, no specific characteristics of the CDH were related to the NST. The testes of all male CDH patients should be thoroughly evaluated in the first year of their life, to ensure a proper and timely treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV; case series.

Current State of Training and Evaluation of Laparoscopic Surgical Skills

markdownabstract__Objective:__ The aim of this study is to understand the current state of training practices and evaluation in laparoscopic surgery in a global context. __Design:__ An open-ended three part questionnaire was designed to gather the opinions about the current state of, adequacy of, and the need for a standard in laparoscopic surgical training. __Participants:__ Members of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA) and Association of Surgeons of India (ASI) were asked to participate in the survey. __Results:__ Of the 663 responses received, 83.6% were surgeons (64.6% in a teaching position) and 12.6% were surgical residents in training. Most respondents (75.4%) had performed over 200 laparoscopic procedures. Most (72.1%) training programs were approved/endorsed by local s