Robotic Surgical Training in an Academic Institution
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Date
2001-10
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Authors
Chitwood, W. Randolph
Nifong, L. Wiley
Chapman, William H. H.
Felger, Jason E.
Bailey, B. Marcus
Ballint, Tara
Mendleson, Kim G.
Kim, Victor B.
Young, James A.
Albrecht, Robert A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East Carolina University
Abstract
Objective
To detail robotic procedure development and clinical applications
for mitral valve, biliary, and gastric reflux operations, and
to implement a multispecialty robotic surgery training curriculum
for both surgeons and surgical teams.
Summary Background Data
Remote, accurate telemanipulation of intracavitary instruments
by general and cardiac surgeons is now possible.
Complex technologic advancements in surgical robotics require
well-designed training programs. Moreover, efficient robotic
surgical procedures must be developed methodically
and safely implemented clinically.
Methods
Advanced training on robotic systems provides surgeon confidence
when operating in tiny intracavitary spaces. Three-dimensional
vision and articulated instrument control are essential. The
authors’ two da Vinci robotic systems have been dedicated to
procedure development, clinical surgery, and training of surgical
specialists. Their center has been the first United States site to
train surgeons formally in clinical robotics.
Results
Established surgeons and residents have been trained using a
defined robotic surgical educational curriculum. Also, 30 multispecialty
teams have been trained in robotic mechanics and
electronics. Initially, robotic procedures were developed experimentally
and are described. In the past year the authors
have performed 52 robotic-assisted clinical operations: 18
mitral valve repairs, 20 cholecystectomies, and 14 Nissen fundoplications.
These respective operations required 108, 28,
and 73 minutes of robotic telemanipulation to complete. Procedure
times for the last half of the abdominal operations decreased
significantly, as did the knot-tying time in mitral operations.
There have been no deaths and few complications.
One mitral patient had postoperative bleeding.
Conclusion
Robotic surgery can be performed safely with excellent results.
The authors have developed an effective curriculum for
training teams in robotic surgery. After training, surgeons have
applied these methods effectively and safely. Originally published Annals of Surgery, Vol. 234, No. 4, Oct 2001
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Citation
Annals of Surgery; 234:4 p. 475-486