Surgical fidelity: comparing the microscope and the endoscope.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Surgical Visualization
• Medical Technology Evaluation

Background:

• Microscopes and endoscopes are standard neurosurgical visualization tools.
• Surgical dexterity may vary between microscopic and endoscopic procedures.
• This study aimed to compare surgical fidelity using these two visualization methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare surgical fidelity between microscopic and endoscopic visualization in neurosurgery.
• To assess the impact of surgeon experience on performance with each tool.
• To evaluate instrument shape influence on surgical fidelity.

Main Methods:

• Standardized motor tasks were performed by junior residents and expert surgeons under microscopic and endoscopic visualization.
• Performance was evaluated using demerits for inaccuracy and task completion time.
• Instrument shape (straight vs. bayoneted) impact was also assessed under direct vision.

Main Results:

• Junior residents showed fewer demerits and less task time with the microscope.
• Expert surgeons had similar accuracy with both tools but were faster with the microscope.
• Instrument shape did not significantly affect demerits or performance time.

Conclusions:

• Microscopic visualization enhances surgical fidelity for less experienced neurosurgeons.
• Surgical experience mitigates accuracy differences between visualization methods.
• Endoscopic visualization consistently results in slower execution speeds regardless of surgeon expertise.