Web-based live telesurgery for minimally invasive procedures in children as an educational tool

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Technology
• Web-based Learning

Background:

• Increasing dispersal of index cases challenges traditional surgical training.
• Work hour restrictions and evolving technologies necessitate novel educational methods.
• Need for accessible platforms to share specialized surgical knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and impact of live internet broadcasting of complex pediatric surgical procedures.
• To assess the potential of web-based platforms for surgeon education and experience sharing.
• To explore the utility of archived surgical video content for ongoing learning.

Main Methods:

• Three distinct pediatric surgical procedures (Nissen fundoplication, lobectomy, imperforate anus repair) were broadcast live via the internet.
• Pediatric surgeons and societies were notified via email; registration was free and online.
• Interactive Q&A sessions were facilitated in real-time with on-site moderators and surgeons.

Main Results:

• Successful transmission of all three surgical broadcasts without technical issues.
• Over 8,500 initial website hits from 49 countries, with many sites hosting multiple viewers.
• Archived videos attracted over 19,000 hits and 5,600 registered viewers by April 2006.

Conclusions:

• Web-based broadcasts provide an efficient method for sharing surgical experience and expanding surgeon education.
• This technology is particularly valuable given case dispersal and evolving medical practice.
• A networked approach linking pediatric programs via the web could serve as a significant educational resource.