Objetivo: O impacto da experiência em laparoscopia nas habilidades de cirurgia robótica ainda não está claramente estabelecido. Nosso estudo tem como objetivo comparar habilidades básicas em cirurgia robótica, usando o simulador de realidade virtual dVTrainer ®, entre cirurgiões com experiência laparoscópica e residentes de cirurgia do primeiro ano. Métodos: Vinte cirurgiões com experiência em laparoscopia (grupo 1) e vinte residentes de cirurgia do primeiro ano (grupo 2) foram incluídos no estudo. Cada participante completou quatro tentativas dos exercícios Peg Board 2, Ring and Rail 1 e Suture Sponge 1 no dVTrainer ®. O desempenho foi avaliado utilizando um algoritmo de pontuação computadorizado incorporado ao simulador. As pontuações e as métricas foram comparadas entre os grupos 1 e 2, e entre a primeira tentativa e as demais Resultados: Os escores gerais para os exercícios Peg Board 2 (738,04 ± 267,83 vs 730,39 ± 225,31; p = 0,57), Ring and Rail 1 (919,03 ± 242,69 vs 965,84 ± 222,96; p = 0,13) e Suture Sponge 1 (563,62 ± 185,50 vs 560,99 ± 152,71; p = 0,67) não apresentaram diferença significativa entre os grupos 1 e 2. O grupo 1 apresentou melhores resultados na área de trabalho dos controles mestres nos exercícios Peg Board 2 e Ring and Rail 1. O grupo 2 apresentou melhores resultados na economia de movimentos nos exercícios Peg Board 2 e Ring and Rail 1 e na força excessiva dos instrumentos no exercício Ring and Rail 1. Nos dois grupos os escores gerais na terceira ou quarta tentativas foram significativamente melhores em comparação com a primeira. Conclusões: Não há diferença significativa nas habilidades básicas da cirurgia robótica entre cirurgiões com experiência laparoscópica e residentes de cirurgia sem experiência em laparoscopia. Algumas diferenças existem quando consideramos métricas específicas, mas essas diferenças não foram capazes de modificar os resultados finais. Podemos considerar que a experiência em laparoscopia pode não se constituir em requisito essencial na aprendizagem da cirurgia robótica. / Objective: The actual impact of laparoscopic experience on robotic skills is uncertain. This study aimed to compare basic robotic surgical skills using the virtual reality simulator dVTrainer ® between laparoscopically experienced surgeons and first-year surgical residents. Methods: Twenty laparoscopically experienced surgeons (group 1) and 20 first-year surgical residents (group 2) were included. Each participant completed four trials of the following tasks on the dV-Trainer®: Peg Board 2, Ring and Rail 1 and Suture Sponge 1. Performance was recorded using a computerized built-in scoring algorithm. Scores and metrics were compared between groups 1 and 2 and between the 1st and subsequent trials Results: The overall scores for Peg Board 2 (738.04 ± 267.83 vs 730.39 ± 225.31, p = 0.57), Ring and Rail 1 (919.03 ± 242.69 vs 965.84 ± 222.96, p = 0.13) and Suture Sponge 1 (563.62 ± 185.50 vs 560.99 ± 152.71, p = 0.67) did not differ significantly between groups 1 and 2. Group 1 had better results for master workspace range in Peg Board 2 and Ring and Rail 1. Group 2 had higher scores for economy of motion in Peg Board 2 and Ring and Rail 1 and for excessive instrument force in Ring and Rail 1. In both groups, the overall scores in the 3rd or 4th trials were significantly higher than those in the 1st trial. Conclusions: There is no significant difference in basic robotic surgical skills between laparoscopically experienced surgeons and laparoscopically naïve surgical residents. Some slight differences were observed in specific metrics, but these differences were not sufficient to change the final results. We may assume that laparoscopic experience should not be an essential step in the learning curve of robotic surgery.

A laparoscopia de eqüinos em estação tem sido avaliada como uma alternativa diagnóstica e terapêutica, porém, a semelhança do que ocorreu na Medicina Humana e na rotina clínica de pequenos animais, sua utilização na espécie eqüina ainda carece de estudos que estabeleçam de forma mais definitiva as situações específicas onde seu uso possa ser recomendado. Para tal, o conhecimento da anatomia laparoscópica de animais hígidos é fundamental no aprendizado do cirurgião. O presente estudo teve por objetivo realizar uma detalhada descrição anatômica da cavidade abdominal de eqüinos posicionados em estação e distribuídos em três grupos conforme a massa corpórea, verificando possíveis limitações. Foram utilizados 21 eqüinos hígidos, sendo 7 fêmeas e 14 machos, submetidos a jejum alimentar de 18 a 24 horas. No grupo A foram incluídos animais com até 250 kg, enquanto no grupo B utilizaram-se animais entre 251 a 350 kg e no grupo C animais acima de 351 kg. Os animais foram sedados com a associação de detomidina e butorfanol e a dessensibilização cutânea e muscular realizada com infiltração local de lidocaína. A técnica cirúrgica realizada foi a laparoscopia com acesso pelas fossas paralombares esquerda e direita, utilizando a introdução vídeoassistida da cânula EndoTIP™, iniciando sempre pelo flanco esquerdo. Este primeiro acesso permitiu a observação do diafragma, estômago, lobo hepático esquerdo, baço, área renal, intestino delgado, cólon menor, bexiga, órgãos reprodutivos internos do macho (cordão espermático e epidídimo) e da fêmea (ovários e corno uterino) e reto. No acesso paralombar direito foram observados: diafragma, lobo hepático direito, área renal direita, cólon dorsal direito, duodeno, base do ceco, intestino delgado, cólon menor, bexiga, órgãos reprodutivos internos do macho (cordão espermático e epidídimo) e da fêmea (ovários e corno uterino) e reto. A principal complicação transoperatória encontrada foi à insuflação de gás no espaço retroperitoneal, que ocorreu em quatro animais. Não foram visibilizados o forame epiplóico e o pâncreas em nenhum dos animais do estudo. Além disso, as demais estruturas não visualizadas, independentemente do porte físico e do flanco examinado foram: o lobo esquerdo do fígado (2 animais), a porção direita do diafragma (14 animais), o reto (três animais) e a bexiga (um animal). O procedimento videolaparoscópico para estudo da anatomia abdominal de eqüinos adultos hígidos em estação é viável, não sendo observadas limitações decorrentes do tamanho do animal. / Laparoscopy on standing horses has been assessed as a diagnostic and therapeutic alternative. However, similarly as it has been in Human Medicine and in the clinical routine of small animals, its utilization in equines still needs further studies that could establish, with more conviction, specific situations where its use can be recommended. For the purpose, knowledge of laparoscopic anatomy in healthy animals is fundamental for the learning of the veterinary surgeon. The present study aimed at performing a detailed anatomic description of the abdominal cavity of equines in standing position. The animals were distributed into three groups according to the corporal mass, and the possible limitations were verified. Twenty-one healthy equines were used, 7 of which were females and 14 males, and which were submitted to a 18- to 24-hour fasting period. Animals weighing up to 250 kg were included in group A, whereas animals weighing between 251 to 350 kg were used in group B and animals weighing more than 351 kg in group C. The animals were sedated using an association of detomidine and butorphanol, and cutaneous and muscular desensitization was obtained with the local infiltration of lidocaine. Laparoscopy was the surgical technique performed, with access through the left and right paralumbar fossas using a video-assisted introduction of a EndoTIP™ cannula, always starting from the left flank. This first access allowed the observation of the diaphragm, stomach, left hepatic lobe, spleen, renal area, small intestine, small colon, urinary bladder, internal reproductive organs of the male (spermatic cord and epididymis) and rectum. During the right paralumbar access, the following structures were observed: diaphragm, right hepatic lobe, right renal area, right dorsal colon, duodenum, base of the cecum, small intestine, small colon, urinary bladder, internal reproductive organs of the male (spermatic cord and epididymis) and female (ovaries and uterine horns) and rectum. The main transoperative complication encountered was the insufflation of gas in the retroperitoneal space, which occurred in four animals. The epiploic foramen and pancreas were not observed in any of the animals used in the study. Additionally, these other structures were not observed, regardless of the physical size and flank examined: left hepatic lobe (2 animals), right portion of the diaphragm (14 animals), rectum (three animals) and urinary bladder (one animal). Therefore, the video-laparoscopic procedure for the study of the abdominal anatomy of healthy adult equines in standing position is feasible, and no limitations due to animal size have been observed.

<p>The extension of laparoscopic procedures into the chest may induce specific pathophysiologic effects.</p><p>In pigs, we have demonstrated how devastating a combined thoraco-laparoscopic approach can be for gas exchange. Furthermore, the transmission of elevated pressure intra-cranially is a potential danger. The application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was found to improve gas exchange and, more importantly, hypoxemia could be avoided. The application of PEEP did not increase intra-cranial pressure further; nor did it adversely affect cerebral circulation.</p><p>Even before the introduction of the laparoscopic technique, there was a substantial increase in the annual number of antireflux procedures. Therefore, the threefold increase of the incidence of antireflux surgery recorded during the past decade cannot solely be explained by the introduction of minimal access surgery. However, a clear shift in the preferred methodology took place. This change was not scientifically supported at the time of the transition and, surprisingly, it is still not supported today. In comparison with open surgery, patients do not seem to derive significant long-term benefits from having the antireflux procedure done laparoscopically. As was demonstrated, laparoscopy might even be an inferior approach in some patients. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to assume that laparoscopy can yield equally good results as open surgery despite our failure to confirm that in our studies. Determination of the effectiveness of minimal access surgery in the treatment of GORD is critical, before minimal access techniques become the standard for antireflux surgery in the community.</p>

The extension of laparoscopic procedures into the chest may induce specific pathophysiologic effects. In pigs, we have demonstrated how devastating a combined thoraco-laparoscopic approach can be for gas exchange. Furthermore, the transmission of elevated pressure intra-cranially is a potential danger. The application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was found to improve gas exchange and, more importantly, hypoxemia could be avoided. The application of PEEP did not increase intra-cranial pressure further; nor did it adversely affect cerebral circulation. Even before the introduction of the laparoscopic technique, there was a substantial increase in the annual number of antireflux procedures. Therefore, the threefold increase of the incidence of antireflux surgery recorded during the past decade cannot solely be explained by the introduction of minimal access surgery. However, a clear shift in the preferred methodology took place. This change was not scientifically supported at the time of the transition and, surprisingly, it is still not supported today. In comparison with open surgery, patients do not seem to derive significant long-term benefits from having the antireflux procedure done laparoscopically. As was demonstrated, laparoscopy might even be an inferior approach in some patients. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to assume that laparoscopy can yield equally good results as open surgery despite our failure to confirm that in our studies. Determination of the effectiveness of minimal access surgery in the treatment of GORD is critical, before minimal access techniques become the standard for antireflux surgery in the community.

Background: Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer is a novel healthcare technology, for which much research evidence has been published. The objectives of this work were to compare the oncologic outcomes of this technology across different study types, and to define patterns of adoption on the basis of the literature. Methods: A comprehensive systematic review of the literature was conducted using 1) existing systematic reviews, 2) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and 3) observational studies. Outcomes of interest were overall survival, and total lymph node harvest. Outcomes were compared for congruence. Adoption was evaluated by means of summary expert opinions in the literature. Results: 1) Existing systematic reviews were of low to moderate quality and displayed evidence of overlap and duplication. 2) Laparoscopy was not inferior to open surgery in terms of oncologic outcomes in any study type. 3) Oncologic outcomes from RCTs and observational studies were congruent. 4) Expert opinion in the literature has been supportive of this technology, paralleling the publication of large RCTs. Conclusions: The evaluation of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in RCTs and observational studies suggests that it is not inferior to open surgery. Adoption of this technology has paralleled RCT evidence.

Background: Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer is a novel healthcare technology, for which much research evidence has been published. The objectives of this work were to compare the oncologic outcomes of this technology across different study types, and to define patterns of adoption on the basis of the literature. Methods: A comprehensive systematic review of the literature was conducted using 1) existing systematic reviews, 2) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and 3) observational studies. Outcomes of interest were overall survival, and total lymph node harvest. Outcomes were compared for congruence. Adoption was evaluated by means of summary expert opinions in the literature. Results: 1) Existing systematic reviews were of low to moderate quality and displayed evidence of overlap and duplication. 2) Laparoscopy was not inferior to open surgery in terms of oncologic outcomes in any study type. 3) Oncologic outcomes from RCTs and observational studies were congruent. 4) Expert opinion in the literature has been supportive of this technology, paralleling the publication of large RCTs. Conclusions: The evaluation of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in RCTs and observational studies suggests that it is not inferior to open surgery. Adoption of this technology has paralleled RCT evidence.

Minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery has completely changed the focus of surgery becoming an alternative to various types of open surgery. Minimally invasive surgery avoids invasive open surgery as the operation is performed through one or more small incisions in the abdomen and using a small camera called laparoscope. Through these incisions, surgeons insert specialized surgical instruments to perform the operation resulting in less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. However, the main problems during minimally-invasive surgery are the limited space for operating instruments and the reduced visibility and range of motion inside the patient’s body. During minimally-invasive surgery, one of the most difficult and time consuming surgical procedures is suturing and knot tying. This procedure significantly increases the operation time as it requires advanced techniques and extensive experience by surgeons.The main goal of this research is to investigate, design, and develop a new suturing instrument to facilitate suturing procedures during minimally invasive surgery.Qualitative research data was collected through interviews with a surgeon and six indepth observations of minimally invasive surgeries at Tampa General Hospital. Different design concepts and mechanisms were created using SolidWorks CAD software, and tested using SimulationXpress in order to identify dimensions, materials and expected performance of the design and its components. The prototypes of the device were made using a Dimension SST 768 FDM machine and tested by the surgeon to ensure that the final design meets the specified needs and criteria. This new device will eliminate the use of many different devices during the operation and allow the use of any type of suture. The proposed suturing device aims to benefit both patients and surgeons. For surgeons, the new device aims to decrease the number of steps for laparoscopic suturing through an intuitive and ergonomic design. For patients, the proposed device will reduce time during surgery and under general anesthesia leading towards improved health care.

Mémoire numérisé par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal

Background: Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer is a novel healthcare technology, for which much research evidence has been published. The objectives of this work were to compare the oncologic outcomes of this technology across different study types, and to define patterns of adoption on the basis of the literature. Methods: A comprehensive systematic review of the literature was conducted using 1) existing systematic reviews, 2) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and 3) observational studies. Outcomes of interest were overall survival, and total lymph node harvest. Outcomes were compared for congruence. Adoption was evaluated by means of summary expert opinions in the literature. Results: 1) Existing systematic reviews were of low to moderate quality and displayed evidence of overlap and duplication. 2) Laparoscopy was not inferior to open surgery in terms of oncologic outcomes in any study type. 3) Oncologic outcomes from RCTs and observational studies were congruent. 4) Expert opinion in the literature has been supportive of this technology, paralleling the publication of large RCTs. Conclusions: The evaluation of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in RCTs and observational studies suggests that it is not inferior to open surgery. Adoption of this technology has paralleled RCT evidence.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references.