Assessment of basic human performance resources predicts performance of ureteroscopy.

Background: Our objective was to predict endoscopic performance in a cadaver model using basic performance resources (BPRs) measurements.

Methods: Medical students (n = 16) underwent intense ureteroscopic training on a virtual reality ureteroscopy trainer and were rated on performing ureteroscopy on a cadaver. The medical students also underwent 13 validated BPR measurements.

Effect of multisite radiofrequency ablation on porcine renal function.

Background And Purpose: The acute and long-term effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on kidney function have not been well studied. The functional change when RFA is used in combination with renal ischemia is likewise unknown. Our goal was to determine the change in renal function caused by various volumes of RFA on a porcine kidney model and the effect cold ischemia had on the results.

Ureteral replacement using small-intestinal submucosa and a collagen inhibitor in a porcine model.

Purpose: Small-intestinal submucosa (SIS) has been successful as an onlay graft in ureteral repair, but tubularized segment interposition of SIS has been unsuccessful. Our objective was to evaluate whether a type I collagen inhibitor, halofuginone, would prevent stricture formation in tubularized SIS interposition.

Materials And Methods: We performed either laparoscopic partial ureteral excision followed by an SIS onlay graft (N = 5) or complete laparoscopic ureteral excision followed by an SIS interposition graft (N = 7) in domestic pigs.

Virtual ureteroscopy predicts ureteroscopic proficiency of medical students on a cadaver.

Purpose: Training on a virtual reality (VR) simulator has been shown to improve the performance of VR endoscopic tasks by novice endoscopists. However, to our knowledge the translation of VR skills into clinical endoscopic proficiency has not been demonstrated. We established criterion validity for a VR ureteroscopy simulator by evaluating VR trained subjects in a cadaver model.

Use of a virtual reality simulator for ureteroscopy training.

Purpose: Virtual reality surgical simulators may shorten operative time and reduce the potential for iatrogenic injury by providing training outside the operating room. We hypothesized that training on a virtual ureteroscopy (VU) simulator would allow novice endoscopists to overcome the initial learning curve before entering the operating room.

Materials And Methods: We evaluated 16 medical students on their ability to perform specific ureteroscopic tasks on a VU simulator.

Assessment of basic human performance resources predicts the performance of virtual ureterorenoscopy.

Purpose: Regardless of training, innate ability may influence the acquisition of endoscopic skills. Until recently objective methods to assess innate ability have not been available. We compared objective measures of human basic performance resources (BPRs) using nonlinear causal resource analysis (NCRA) and expert rated endoscopic performance of medical students on a virtual reality (VR) simulator.

Sutureless laparoscopic heminephrectomy using laser tissue soldering.

Background And Purpose: Widespread application of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has been limited by the lack of a reliable means of attaining hemostasis. We describe laser tissue welding using human albumin as a solder to control bleeding and seal the collecting system during laparoscopic heminephrectomy in a porcine model.

Materials And Methods: Laparoscopic left lower-pole heminephrectomy was performed in five female domestic pigs after occluding the hilar vessels.

Laparoscopic application of radio frequency energy enables in situ renal tumor ablation and partial nephrectomy.

Purpose: To our knowledge we present the initial series of renal mass in situ laparoscopic radio frequency ablation. We also discuss the indications for and results of subsequent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Materials And Methods: Laparoscopic radio frequency ablation was performed in 13 patients with a mean age of 59 years (range 18 to 81) and a total of 17 small enhancing renal masses.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of renal tumors: technique, limitations, and morbidity.

Objectives: To evaluate our evolving experience with percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) renal tumor ablation and focus on our technique to ensure maximal treatment efficacy and reduce the possibility of complications.

Methods: Fifteen patients with small (less than 4 cm) posterior or lateral contrast-enhancing (more than 10 Hounsfield units) renal tumors were candidates for RF treatment. Of these patients, 12 (13 tumors) received computed tomography-guided percutaneous RF ablation.