Minimally Invasive Surgery Training Research Articles

MIS training in Canada: a national survey of general surgery residents

General surgery trainees' perceptions regarding their own laparoscopic training remain poorly defined. The objective of this survey was to identify and evaluate learner experiences with laparoscopic procedures in general surgery programs on a national level. Two hundred eighty-four residents were identified and contacted at English-speaking general surgery programs across Canada. Each was asked to complete a web- or paper-based survey regarding their demographics, experiences with basic and advanced minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedures, and perceived barriers to training. Two hundred fifty-two of 284 (89%) surveyed residents responded. Eighty-seven percent of the residents had access to a skills lab that taught MIS techniques; however, standardized MIS curricula were implemented 53% of the time. Eighty percent of residents felt that skills lab training translated to improved performance in the OR. Although 90% of residents felt that they would be comfortable performing basic laparoscopic procedures, only 8% stated they would be comfortable performing advanced procedures at the end of their training. Moreover, 90% of general surgery residents felt that it was the academic surgical department's responsibility to teach both basic and advanced procedures, and 35% of respondents felt their surgical program was meeting this requirement. Half of the residents felt they had limited opportunity to be a primary surgeon because an MIS fellow was present. There exists a wide disparity between the expectations of residents and their actual experience. The majority of residents are concerned that they will not acquire sufficient laparoscopic skills during their training to perform advanced cases in practice. Additionally, the balance between resident and fellow-level cases needs to be more clearly defined as the majority of respondents identified the presence of a MIS fellow as a negative learning influence. Finally, although most centers had a surgical skills lab, 47% of respondents felt that the curriculum was not standardized and this also needs to be addressed.

A structured strategy to combine education for advanced MIS training in surgical oncology training programs

Changing realities in surgery and surgical technique have heightened the need for agile adaptation in training programs. Current guidelines reflect the growing acceptance and adoption of the use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in oncology. North American general surgery residents are often not adequately skilled in advanced laparoscopic surgery skills at the completion of their residency. Presently, advanced laparoscopic surgery training during surgical oncology fellowship training occurs on an ad-hoc basis in many surgical oncology programs. We present a rational and template for a structured training in advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques during surgical oncology fellowship training. The structure of the program seeks to incorporate evidence-based strategies in MIS training from a comprehensive review of the literature, while maintaining essential elements of rigorous surgical oncology training. Fellows in this stream will train and certify in the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) course. Fellows will participate in the didactic oncology seminar series continuously throughout the 27 months training period. Fellows will complete one full year of dedicated MIS training, followed by 15 months of surgical oncology training. Minimal standards for case volume will be expected for MIS cases and training will be tailored to meet the career goals of the fellows. We propose that a formalized MIS-Surgical Oncology Fellowship will allow trainees to benefit from an effective training curriculum and furthermore, that will allow for graduates to lead in a cancer surgery milieu increasingly focused on minimally invasive approaches.

TELMA: Technology enhanced learning environment for Minimally Invasive Surgery

One of the most important revolutions in the past few decades in clinical practice has been motivated by the introduction of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) techniques, which have spread amongst almost all surgical specialities. MIS training is a principal component of the education of new surgical residents, with an increasing demand for knowledge and skills for medical students and surgeons. Technology enhanced learning (TEL) solutions can deal with the growing need for MIS learning. This research work aims to develop a MIS learning environment based on web technologies, named TELMA, which will respond to the growing amount of information and multimedia surgical contents available (mainly intervention’s video recording libraries), in compliance with specific learning needs of surgical students and professionals, enhancing their competence on MIS cognitive skills. Furthermore, TELMA will support knowledge capturing, sharing and reuse, and effective management of didactic contents through personalised and collaborative services.

Are Minimally Invasive Procedures Harder to Acquire than Conventional Surgical Procedures?

Background: It is frequently suggested that minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is harder to acquire than conventional surgery. To test this hypothesis, residents’ learning curves of both surgical skills are compared. Methods: Residents had to be assessed using a general global rating scale of the OSATS (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills) for every procedure they performed as primary surgeon during a 3-month clinical rotation in gynecological surgery. Results: Nine postgraduate-year-4 residents collected a total of 319 OSATS during the 2 years and 3 months investigation period. These assessments concerned 129 MIS (laparoscopic and hysteroscopic) and 190 conventional (open abdominal and vaginal) procedures. Learning curves (in this study defined as OSATS score plotted against procedure-specific caseload) for MIS and conventional surgery were compared using a linear mixed model. The MIS curve revealed to be steeper than the conventional curve (1.77 vs. 0.75 OSATS points per assessed procedure; 95% CI 1.19–2.35 vs. 0.15–1.35, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Basic MIS procedures do not seem harder to acquire during residency than conventional surgical procedures. This may have resulted from the incorporation of structured MIS training programs in residency. Hopefully, this will lead to a more successful implementation of the advanced MIS procedures.

Augmented reality haptic (ARH): an approach of electromagnetic tracking in minimally invasive surgery

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) is a widely used surgical technique that requires a long training process due to its difficulty and complexity. We developed an Augmented Reality Haptic (ARH) System based on electromagnetic tracking devices for use in creation training models (computer-enhanced trainers), in computer-assisted surgery or telemanipulation applications. The ARH system consists currently in a Linux driver and a calibration protocol to acquire the tooltip position of conventional laparoscopic tools in real time. A Polhemus Isotrack(®) II was used to track surgical endoscopic tooltip movements. The receiver was mounted on the tool handle in order to measure laparoscopic tools positions without complex modifications. Two validation tests were done to guarantee the proper functioning of the ARH system in a MIS environment. The first one checks the driver operation and the second measures the accuracy and reliability of the tooltip pose estimation process. Jitter and orientation errors for the first test were 2.00±0.10 and 2.00±0.09mm, respectively. Relative position error of 0.25±0.06cm for a distance of 5cm was found. Jitter error for the second test was 127 ± 60, 117 ± 40 and 122 ± 39mm in Z, Y and X rotations, respectively. Results obtained with the ARH system are sufficiently accurate for use in MIS training. A supplementary correction procedure would be necessary to use this ARH system in computer-assisted surgery or telemanipulation.

The value of haptic feedback in conventional and robot-assisted minimal invasive surgery and virtual reality training: a current review.

BackgroundVirtual reality (VR) as surgical training tool has become a state-of-the-art technique in training and teaching skills for minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Although intuitively appealing, the true benefits of haptic (VR training) platforms are unknown. Many questions about haptic feedback in the different areas of surgical skills (training) need to be answered before adding costly haptic feedback in VR simulation for MIS training. This study was designed to review the current status and value of haptic feedback in conventional and robot-assisted MIS and training by using virtual reality simulation.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was undertaken using PubMed and MEDLINE. The following search terms were used: Haptic feedback OR Haptics OR Force feedback AND/OR Minimal Invasive SurgeryAND/OR Minimal Access Surgery AND/OR Robotics AND/OR Robotic Surgery AND/OR Endoscopic Surgery AND/OR Virtual Reality AND/OR Simulation OR Surgical Training/Education.ResultsThe results were assessed according to level of evidence as reflected by the Oxford Centre of Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence.ConclusionsIn the current literature, no firm consensus exists on the importance of haptic feedback in performing minimally invasive surgery. Although the majority of the results show positive assessment of the benefits of force feedback, results are ambivalent and not unanimous on the subject. Benefits are least disputed when related to surgery using robotics, because there is no haptic feedback in currently used robotics. The addition of haptics is believed to reduce surgical errors resulting from a lack of it, especially in knot tying. Little research has been performed in the area of robot-assisted endoscopic surgical training, but results seem promising. Concerning VR training, results indicate that haptic feedback is important during the early phase of psychomotor skill acquisition.

Women’s positive perception of transvaginal NOTES surgery

Two decades ago, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) was introduced and led to a revolution in modern surgery. Currently MIS procedures are the standard of care for many surgical interventions and patients often seek out surgeons with special training in MIS. Today, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) appears to be on the threshold of another such revolution. We surmise that its advantages are similar to those of other MIS procedures, but there are no associated abdominal wall complications as there are no abdominal incisions. To date, there is no data evaluating women's perceptions of such a procedure and their willingness to consent to this type of surgical approach. We surveyed 100 women who were given a written description of MIS and NOTES surgery along with a 10-question survey exploring their concerns and opinions regarding transvaginal surgery. The majority of women (68%) indicated that they would want a transvaginal procedure in the future because of decreased risk of hernia and decreased operative pain (90 and 93%, respectively), while only 39% were concerned with the improved cosmesis of NOTES surgery. Of the women polled, nulliparous women and those under age 45 years were significantly more often concerned with how transvaginal surgery may affect healthy sexual life and fertility issues (p < 0.05). Of the women who would not prefer transvaginal surgery, a significant number indicated concerns over infectious issues (p < 0.05). Our study shows that there is considerable public interest in NOTES surgery and women would be receptive to this new surgical technique. Our study highlights a strong need for early reporting of outcomes data to enlighten ourselves, and our patients, about this exciting new technology.

Impact of Minimally Invasive Surgery on the Pediatric Surgical Profession

We conducted a survey among pediatric surgeons to examine the impact of the advent of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) on the pediatric surgical profession with respect to job satisfaction and training challenges. An invitation to participate in a web-based questionnaire was sent out to 306 pediatric surgeons. Apart from demographic details and training recommendations, parameters relevant to job satisfaction, including patient interaction, peer pressure, ethical considerations, academic progress, ability to train residents, and financial remuneration, were studied. The response rate was 38.2%. Working in a unit performing MIS was identified by 71% of respondents as the most effective and feasible modality of training in MIS. Inability to get away from a busy practice was the most common reason cited for inability to acquire MIS training. The overall responses to the job satisfaction parameters showed a positive trend in the current MIS era for patient interaction, ethical considerations, academic progress, and training residents, with a negative trend for peer pressure and financial remuneration. The enthusiastic minimally invasive surgeons (EMIS) were defined as those having more than 5 years of MIS experience and also performing more than 10% of their work using MIS. Of the 113 responses analyzed, 67 belonged to the EMIS category. Those belonging to the EMIS group were less likely to feel inadequate in training their residents, in meeting the felt needs of the patients, or to complain about peer pressure. They were more likely to consider MIS to be as relevant and beneficial in children as in adults. Embracing MIS, as represented by the EMIS group, correlated with an overall greater job satisfaction.

Lessons Learned From Long-term University Training in Minimally Invasive Surgery in Spain

Starting from our prolonged experience in university minimally invasive surgery training (1993 to 2005), we aim to analyze the most important differences in participants' requirements from these courses along this time span. Surveys' answers from the 6 first course editions (from 1993 to 1999, group 1) are compared with the last 6 ones (from 1999 to 2005, group 2), for a number of items including reasons to choose these courses, opinion about duration of training minimally invasive surgery (MIS) courses, responsibility of training MIS, and opinion about experimental training with animals. Total number (N) of participants was 341, with 177 in group 1 and 164 in group 2. The most important feature was the number of hours of animal training (61% from group 1 vs. 75% from group 2, P<0.05). There was a trend to consider hospitals as more responsible (68.3% from group 1 vs. 83.5% from group 2, P=0.06) and the University as less responsible for MIS training (36.7% from group 1 and 18.2% from group 2, P=0.01). Laparoscopic training courses should last at least 1 year (76.7% from group 1 vs. 78.2% from group 2, not significant). The time dedicated to practical training is highly appreciated by participants in training courses. Furthermore, we have not found many changes in trainees' requirements from MIS training courses over the last 12 years.

Laparoscopy influences hiring practices within academic surgical departments

This study aimed to determine whether the increasing emphasis on minimally invasive surgery (MIS) influences hiring practices within academic surgical departments. A questionnaire was mailed to chairs of surgery departments and divisions of general surgery at the 16 Canadian academic institutions. Nonresponders were identified and contacted directly. The survey consisted of 34 questions, including Likert scales, single answers, and multiple-choice questions. Data were collected on demographics, perceptions of MIS, and recruitment/hiring. At the time of the survey, two department chair positions were vacant. A response rate of 87% (26/30) was obtained, with representation from 94% of departments (15/16). Of those surveyed, 88% intend to increase the importance of MIS at their institution within 5 years, and 87% intend to achieve this objective through new hirings. Networking (73%) and retention of recent graduates (89%) were cited most frequently as recruitment strategies. Strengthening the division, research, and education were considered important or extremely important by more than 90% of the respondents with respect to recruitment goals, whereas strengthening MIS was considered important or extremely important by 50%. Within 5 years, surgical departments intend to hire a median of four general surgeons, 50% of whom will have formal MIS training. In comparison, over the past 10 years, only 25% of new recruits had formal MIS training. More than 90% of the respondents considered formal MIS fellowship, MIS fellowship plus a second fellowship, and proctorship to be adequate training for performing advanced MIS, whereas traditional methods were considered inadequate. Lack of operative time and resource issues were considered most limiting in the hiring of new MIS surgeons. Minimally invasive surgery is growing in importance within academic surgical departments, but it remains an intermediate recruitment priority. Formal MIS training appears to be important in the recruiting of new surgeons, whereas traditional training methods are considered inadequate.

Surgical simulator design and development.

With the introduction of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), it became necessary to develop training methods to learn skills outside the operating room. Several training simulators have become commercially available, but fundamental research into the requirements for effective and efficient training in MIS is still lacking. Three aspects of developing a training program are investigated here: what should be trained, how it should be trained, and how to assess the results of training. In addition, studies are presented that have investigated the role of force feedback in surgical simulators. Training should be adapted to the level of behavior: skill-based, rule-based, or knowledge-based. These levels can be used to design and structure a training program. Extra motivation for training can be created by assessment. During MIS, force feedback is reduced owing to friction in the laparoscopic instruments and within the trocar. The friction characteristics vary largely among instruments and trocars. When force feedback is incorporated into training, it should include the large variation in force feedback properties as well. Training different levels of behavior requires different training methods. Although force feedback is reduced during MIS, it is needed for tissue manipulation, and therefore force application should be trained as well.

Minimally invasive surgery fellows would perform a wider variety of cases in their “ideal” fellowship

With the increase in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) fellowships, the concept of the ideal and standardized training curriculum is emerging in importance. The authors hypothesize that the procedure mix in current MIS training is different from what current MIS fellows would expect for their "ideal" fellowship. An anonymous survey of current MIS fellows examined their perceptions of the case diversity and volume they expect to perform in their fellowships as compared with an ideal fellowship. Differences between expected and ideal case volume were analyzed using Wilcoxon tests. A total of 32 questionnaires were returned. Current MIS fellows believe their expected training will exceed the ideal volume of laparoscopic cholecystectomies (p = 0.002). They believe their expected training is equivalent to ideal training in laparoscopic gastric bypass, ventral herniorraphy, inguinal herniorraphy, antireflux procedures, appendectomy, and diagnostic endoscopy (nonsignificant difference). However, current expected training falls short of their "ideal" case volume in laparoscopic gastric banding, colectomy, common bile duct exploration, gastrectomy, esophagectomy, splenectomy, adrenalectomy, hepatectomy, nephrectomy, and pancreatectomy (p < 0.05). The current MIS fellows also expect that their thoracoscopic, therapeutic endoscopy, and robotic procedure volume will be less than "ideal" (p < 0.05). In 13 of 20 procedure types, current MIS fellows expect to perform a smaller case volume than in an "ideal" fellowship. The ideal case volume in the MIS fellowship curriculum needs to be defined better.

Laparoscopic colectomy for colon cancer: New answers, new questions

Laparoscopic colectomy for colon cancer: New answers, new questions

Fundamental aspects of learning minimally invasive surgical skills

With the introduction of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) the necessity to develop training methods to learn skills outside the operating room (OR) became clear. Several training simulators have become commercially available. However, fundamental research into the requirements for effective and efficient training in MIS is still lacking. Yet in the literature several learning models have been described that may be used when designing the structure of a training program. While learning skills, three stages can be observed: cognitive, associative and autonomous. The learning cycle also includes different learning styles and, moreover, every trainee has his/her preferred learning style. Furthermore, training should be adapted to the level of behaviour: skill‐based, rule‐based or knowledge‐based. Training of complex skills should include multiple performance objectives, such as just‐in‐time supportive information and part‐task practice. Finally, motivation for training can be created by assessment. In conclusion, several theories on learning can be found in the literature. These theories may help in the development of effective training programs for training MIS skills outside the OR.

Training and Educational Approaches to Minimally Invasive Surgery: State of the Art

Current training in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is inadequate given the demands of patients on practitioners and the number of surgeons and residents who still need to be trained. The training that is provided is neither widespread nor is it standardized, resulting in graduate surgeons with a wide range of competence. There is little guidance in what a training program needs to be effective. We provide a brief review of the state of the art of MIS training with some emphasis given to training methods including perceptual motor training, MIS learning laboratories, virtual reality, evaluation and assessment, cost, simulation fidelity, credentialing, certification, privileging, and ergonomics. We conclude that the state of the art is left wanting. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (iJSA). All rights reserved.

Training and educational approaches to minimally invasive surgery: state of the art.

Current training in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is inadequate given the demands of patients on practitioners and the number of surgeons and residents who still need to be trained. The training that is provided is neither widespread nor is it standardized, resulting in graduate surgeons with a wide range of competence. There is little guidance in what a training program needs to be effective. We provide a brief review of the state of the art of MIS training with some emphasis given to training methods including perceptual motor training, MIS learning laboratories, virtual reality, evaluation and assessment, cost, simulation fidelity, credentialing, certification, privileging, and ergonomics. We conclude that the state of the art is left wanting.

Minimally invasive surgery training in Canada: a survey of general surgery.

The purpose of this study was to assess the state of surgical training in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) within Canadian academic surgical departments. A pretested questionnaire was distributed to the general surgery residents of participating Canadian academic surgical departments. Fourteen of 16 residency programs participated and 235 of 388 residents (60%) responded to the survey. Residents expect to perform both basic (217/235 [92%]) and advanced (123/234 [53%]) MIS procedures on completion of their residency. However, only 41 of 233 (18%) believed that their advanced MIS training would be adequate. On a Likert scale, the most important factors influencing their training included limited advanced case volume (median, 5), limited opportunity in the operating room (OR) (median, 5), lack of attending surgeon interest (median, 4), limited OR time (median, 4), and a lack of surgical department support (median, 4). Residents were concerned about their ability to acquire these skills once they finished their training (median, 4), and 231 of 234 (99%) thought that there was an important role for a MIS surgeon within the academic setting (median, 5). The rapid development of MIS has generated complex issues for resident training within the present Canadian academic surgical environment.

Ongoing Deficits in Resident Training for Minimally Invasive Surgery

Patient preference has driven the adoption of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques and altered surgical practice. MIS training in surgical residency programs must teach new skill sets with steep learning curves to enable residents to master key procedures. Because no nationally recognized MIS curriculum exists, this study asked experts in MIS which laparoscopic procedures should be taught and how many cases are required for competency. Expert recommendations were compared to the number of cases actually performed by residents (Residency Review Committee [RRC] data). A detailed survey was sent nationwide to all surgical residency programs (academic and private) known to offer training in MIS and/or have a leader in the field. The response rate was approximately 52%. RRC data were obtained from the resident statistics summary report for 1998–1999. Experts identified core procedures for MIS training and consistently voiced the opinion that to become competent, residents need to perform these procedures many more times than the RRC data indicate they currently do. At present, American surgical residency programs do not meet the suggested MIS case range or volume required for competency. Residency programs need to be restructured to incorporate sufficient exposure to core MIS procedures. More expert faculty must be recruited to train residents to meet the increasing demand for laparoscopy. ( J Gastrointest Surg 2002;6:501–509.)

Minimally invasive surgery in the Federal Republic of Germany

In the Federal Republic of Germany 67 experts were questioned concerning the diffusion of 10 procedures in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Most of the ten procedures have potential economic advantages and benefits for the patient. Informants state that more randomized controlled trials are needed. Extra-corporeal shock wave lithotripsy, percutaneous transluminal coronary balloon angioplasty, sclerosing of sites of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (including esophageal varìces), and arthroscopic meniscectomy are well-established; laparoscopic cholecystectomy made a breakthrough in 1990. The diffusion process of the others is promising. Main obstacles to further diffusion are high investment and maintenance costs, long delivery time for special instruments, lack of systematic training in MIS, performance regulations, and conservatísm. Investigations into total costs are necessary. Since the present financing of hospital services through per diem payment is detrimental to the diffusion of MIS, lump-sum payments could remove barriers to diffusion. New methods of interlinking hospital and out-patient care should be tested.