Surgical innovation
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Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery procedures are at the forefront of minimally invasive innovation, remarkable for shorter recovery times and decreased postoperative pain. We aim to demonstrate a novel technique of pure transvaginal laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in a series of patients performed in our institution. ⋯ Our initial experience with transvaginal ventral hernia repair in humans suggests that this procedure is feasible, safe, and associated with improved cosmetic results.
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Surgical innovation · Feb 2014
ReviewThe role of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) in thyroidectomy: where do we stand today?
Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) gains daily ground, being used during thyroidectomy to help the surgeon identify the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). But its value still remains debatable among endocrine surgeons. In this review article, we aim to present current knowledge on the subject. ⋯ RLN IONM adds a functional dimension to surgery that aids, but does not replace, visual identification. For the time being, intraoperative visual identification of the nerve and preoperative and postoperative laryngoscopic assessment of vocal cord function remain the gold standard of RLN management in thyroid surgery. Whether IONM will become a standard of care or not depends on the familiarization of each surgeon with this technique as well as on the publication of studies involving large series of thyroidectomies, where the evaluation of IONM will have significant statistical power.
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Surgical innovation · Oct 2013
Objective assessment of skills acquisition during laparoscopic surgery courses.
The aim of this prospective study is to objectively assess the acquisition of skills of trainees attending laparoscopic surgery courses. ⋯ Objective validated methods can be used to demonstrate course efficacy in addition to providing participants with an insight into their skills. Junior trainees with little or no previous experience benefit the most from such courses irrespective of their age, sex, and dominant hand.
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Surgical innovation · Oct 2013
An experimental study to evaluate the Fluobeam 800 imaging system for fluorescence-guided lymphatic imaging and sentinel node biopsy.
Visualization of the lymphatic system is challenging. Lymphatic imaging is a crucial diagnostic tool for benign and malignant lymphatic pathologies. Fluorescence-guided imaging allows selective lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification. There are a few fluorescence systems, but some drawbacks remain due to technical and ergonomic aspects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the new Fluobeam 800 imaging system. ⋯ This is the first study analyzing the feasibility of the Fluobeam 800 imaging system allowing transcutaneous real-time imaging. It enables detection of the SLN by fluorescence retention with increased detection depth and resolution. After fixation to the ceiling, the ergonomics advanced for simultaneous field navigation and dissection. The new system can be applied for lymphatic imaging for lympatico-reconstructive surgery and SLN biopsy.
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Surgical innovation · Apr 2013
Virtual reality simulator: demonstrated use in neurosurgical oncology.
The overriding importance of patient safety, the complexity of surgical techniques, and the challenges associated with teaching surgical trainees in the operating room are all factors driving the need for innovative surgical simulation technologies. ⋯ The widespread application of surgical simulation technology has the potential to decrease surgical risk, improve operating room efficiency, and fundamentally change surgical training.