Using three-dimensional laparoscopy as a novel training tool for novice trainees compared with two-dimensional laparoscopy.

Background: Laparoscopic skills training is an essential component of general surgery training. This study proposes the use of three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy as the initial training tool for beginners to shorten the learning curve.

Methods: This study evaluates the surgical performance and subjective experience of junior and senior trainees with 3D versus two-dimensional laparoscopy.

Operative length independently affected by surgical team size: data from 2 Canadian hospitals.

Background: Knowledge of the composition of a surgical team is the premise for studying efficiency inside the operating room.

Methods: To investigate the team composition in general surgery procedures, we retrospectively reviewed procedures performed by an expert general surgeon in 2007-08 at 2 tertiary hospitals. For each patient, demographic characteristics, procedure type, team members and procedure length were extracted from intraoperative nursing records.

Analysis of eye gaze: do novice surgeons look at the same location as expert surgeons during a laparoscopic operation?

Introduction: Eye-gaze technology can be used to track the gaze of surgeons on the surgical monitor. We examine the gaze of surgeons performing a task in the operating room and later watching the operative video in a lab. We also examined gaze of video watching by surgical residents.

Laparoscopic management of gastrointestinal stromal tumours: review at a Canadian centre.

Background: Laparoscopic wedge resection has been widely accepted for small benign gastric tumours. Large gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), however, can be difficult to manipulate laparoscopically and are at risk for capsule disruption, which can then result in peritoneal seeding. Some authors have suggested that large GISTs (> 8 cm) are best approached using an open technique.

Quantifying surgeon's contribution to team effectiveness on a mixed team with a junior surgeon.

Background: A surgical team often consists of an experienced surgeon and surgeons in training. This project quantified the contribution of the experienced surgeon to the teamwork in a team comprised of 1 experienced and 1 novice surgeon (Mixed Team).

Methods: An experienced and a novice surgeon in a Mixed Team were required to complete a peg transportation task and an intracorporeal suture task collaboratively.

An 18-year review of open and laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Background: Laparoscopic splenectomy has become the preferred surgical procedure for the management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). However, there studies have directly compared the incidence of recurrent ITP secondary to missed accessory spleens in open versus laparoscopic splenectomy.

Methods: Open and laparoscopic splenectomies performed for ITP at 4 sites over 18 years were analyzed.

Prospective comparison of early and late experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has gained acceptance in the treatment of adrenal tumors. We examine our initial 73 patients and highlight the change in patient selection and outcome that experience brings.

Methods: A prospective study from 2000 to 2005 enrolled 73 consecutive laparoscopic adrenalectomy patients at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver General Hospitals.