Article
Live surgery at neurosurgical training courses – essential infrastructure, technical setup and educational considerations
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Published: | April 28, 2011 |
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Objective: To report about the infrastructure and technical set-up for live surgeries at neurosurgical training courses.
Methods: Between 2007 and 2010, seven neurosurgical training courses with live surgeries were organized at the Department of Neurosurgery at our clinic. Here, we share our experience and report the essential set-up.
Results: Our department organized three skull base, two cervical spine and one spinal cord stimulation hands-on dissection course with live surgeries over the last three years. The course structure included lectures, cadaver dissections and live surgeries. The technical set-up included video transmission via an ip-based network with a fiberglass backbone between the OR and lecture room. Up to four video signals may be transmitted simultaneously (e.g. microscope, endoscope, X-ray, overview) Two bi-directional audiostreams allow for continuous interaction. For anatomy, masterpiece dissections and personal tutorials for a group of four participants are essential to achieve an adequate educational level. During surgery, bi-directional discussions offer the participant to interfere and ask questions. Important issues are careful selection of patients operated live, who have a well-presentable pathology (avoid bloody tumors), always plan with a buffer of at least one patient (cancellation due to infection, etc.), and choose didactic cases in order to show the technique. The live surgery should include the whole procedure: intraoperative set-up, positioning, anesthesiological procedures and handling of intraoperative situations. Matching the awareness for ecological protection and educational demands in medicine the courses can be transmitted to corresponding faculties worldwide or being distributed as a webstream to offer participation without travelling or additional costs, which is a rewarding option for neurosurgeons in developing countries.
Conclusions: A professionally prepared step-by-step education including surgical anatomy, cadaver dissection with masterpiece and live surgeries with online discussion offers a high level training with enrichment of both the participants and tutors.