Annals of surgical oncology
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Multicenter Study
Telementoring: a multi-institutional experience with the introduction of a novel surgical approach for adrenalectomy.
Telementoring is a video-conferencing tool which can deliver expert opinion to physicians and their patients in remote locations. We report our experience with the use of telementoring as a technique to instruct in the performance of posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (PRA). Issues regarding utility, regulation, and future directions of telementoring are addressed. ⋯ Telementoring is a technical application with utility in remotely helping and guiding another surgeon through the execution of a novel surgical approach. The cyberspace consultation is safe and enhances patient care through a real-time collaborative approach which extends beyond the confines of one institution and one surgeon. Aspects concerning improvement in both implementation and regulation of telementoring mandate further research and creation of nationwide guidelines.
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To investigate whether the quantitative elasticity index of shear wave elastography (SWE) can predict extrathyroidal extension (ETE) of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) preoperatively. ⋯ Quantitative elasticity index of SWE could predict pathologic ETE, and SWE could be a complimentary method to grayscale US for preoperative prediction of prognostic factors of PTC.
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Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (PRA) has several benefits compared with transperitoneal adrenalectomy in that it is safe and has a short learning curve. In addition, it provides direct short access to the target organ, prevents irritation to the intraperitoneal space, and does not require retraction of adjacent organs.1 (-) 3 We have performed several cases of robot-assisted PRA using single-port access for small adrenal tumors. This multimedia article introduces the detailed methods and preliminary results of this procedure. ⋯ Our initial experiences with robot-assisted PRA using single-port access assured us of its safety and feasibility for the resection of small adrenal tumors. Although single-port robot-assisted PRA appears to be safe and feasible, further experience and research is required to optimize patient selection criteria and verify its advantages over the traditional three-incision PRA technique.