Initial experience with surgical telementoring in pediatric laparoscopic surgery using remote presence technology

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Remote mentoring is crucial for disseminating surgical expertise.
• Advancements in telecommunication technology offer new avenues for remote surgical guidance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of remote presence technology for surgical mentoring.
• To evaluate the use of a robotic system for real-time surgical guidance.

Main Methods:

• A self-propelled robot with two-way audio-visual communication was utilized.
• An experienced surgeon remotely mentored three pediatric laparoscopic cases: intestinal obstruction, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and duodenal atresia.
• The robot facilitated visualization, telestration, and communication during procedures.

Main Results:

• All three pediatric laparoscopic procedures were successfully completed.
• The technology provided excellent visualization and uninterrupted communication.
• Both the operating surgeon and the remote mentor found the telementoring valuable.

Conclusions:

• Remote presence technology shows significant promise for enhancing surgical expertise in minimally invasive procedures.
• This technology can extend surgical experience and specialized knowledge to various locations.
• Further evaluation in a larger series is warranted to confirm its utility.