Web-connected surgery: using the internet for teaching and proctoring of live robotic surgeries

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of using live teleconferencing for teaching of new robotic-assisted surgical techniques. This was a prospective study with review of outcomes (Canadian Task Force classification II-3) in a community hospital. In 2009, our community hospital acquired the da Vinci Connect™ System, a technology which allows for live surgeon-to-surgeon interaction during robotic surgery via a secure internet connection. We utilized this technology from March 2009 through March 2011 to perform 28 live robotic surgeries that were observed by surgeons and hospital staff in 14 different US states as well as in France. We also had 14 episodes where new robotic surgeons in our facilities were mentored by experienced robotic surgeons in other geographic locations live through the da Vinci Connect internet connection. We performed two live surgeries for continuing medical education courses with live interactions between the course attendees and the console surgeon. Finally, one surgeon in our hospital proctored new surgeons remotely in distant sites on challenging cases. Utilizing computers that allow an experienced mentor surgeon to interact with less experienced surgeons on a live case is invaluable and presages the way we will train surgeons in the future. This feasibility study validates the need to pursue this technology for future education and training as well as for real-time collaboration.