Virtual and Augmented Reality in Neurosurgery.

In this chapter, we explore the role of mixed reality (MxR), a synergy of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), in neurosurgery. MxR marks a significant advancement in surgical planning and execution, enhancing precision, safety, and outcomes. We trace the evolution of neurosurgical techniques, positioning MxR as the latest innovation in a series of technological advancements aimed at improving surgical accuracy and patient safety.

Temporal bone fracture related facial palsy: efficacy of decompression with and without grafting.

Purpose Of Review: This systematic review investigates the recent literature and aims to determine the approach, efficacy, and timing of facial nerve decompression with or without grafting in temporal bone fractures with facial palsy.

Recent Findings: The surgical management of facial palsy is reserved for a small population of cases in which electrophysiologic tests indicate a poor likelihood of spontaneous recovery. The transmastoid (TM), middle cranial fossa (MCF), and translabyrinthine (TL) approaches to the facial nerve provide access to the entire intracranial and intratemporal segments of the facial nerve.

Atraumatic splenic rupture secondary to granulocyte-colony stimulating factor medication exposure.

Hematopoietic hormones such as granulocyte-colony stimulating factors are commonly used prevent neutropenia in patients undergoing chemotherapy and to prepare patients for bone marrow donations. In rare cases, splenic injury can result from exposure to this medication. We present the case of a 30-year-old man who presented to the emergency department the day after a bone marrow donation procedure complaining of severe, acute onset left upper quadrant abdominal pain, radiating to the shoulder.

The Effectiveness of Facial Neuromuscular Retraining on Patients with Facial Nerve Dysfunction: A Mental Health and Quality of Life Analysis.

Facial muscle dysfunction can have drastic psychosocial effects. To evaluate the impacts of customized neuromuscular retraining on mental health, quality of life (QoL), facial muscle function, and synkinesis. Thirty patients with facial nerve dysfunction completed a course of neuromuscular retraining.

Artificial Intelligence Methods and Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Metrics for Surgical Education: A Multidisciplinary Consensus.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) methods and AI-enabled metrics hold tremendous potential to advance surgical education. Our objective was to generate consensus guidance on specific needs for AI methods and AI-enabled metrics for surgical education.

Study Design: The study included a systematic literature search, a virtual conference, and a 3-round Delphi survey of 40 representative multidisciplinary stakeholders with domain expertise selected through purposeful sampling.

Utilising an Accelerated Delphi Process to Develop Guidance and Protocols for Telepresence Applications in Remote Robotic Surgery Training.

Context: The role of robot-assisted surgery continues to expand at a time when trainers and proctors have travel restrictions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Objective: To provide guidance on setting up and running an optimised telementoring service that can be integrated into current validated curricula. We define a standardised approach to training candidates in skill acquisition via telepresence technologies.

How Wearable Technology Can Facilitate AI Analysis of Surgical Videos.

Operative video has great potential to enable instant replays of critical surgical decisions for training and quality review. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has shown early promise as a method of enabling efficient video review, analysis, and segmentation. Despite the progress with AI analysis of surgical videos, more work needs to be done to improve the accuracy and efficiency of AI-driven video analysis.

Demonstrating the effectiveness of the fundamentals of robotic surgery (FRS) curriculum on the RobotiX Mentor Virtual Reality Simulation Platform.

Fundamentals of robotic surgery (FRS) is a proficiency-based progression curriculum developed by robotic surgery experts from multiple specialty areas to address gaps in existing robotic surgery training curricula. The RobotiX Mentor is a virtual reality training platform for robotic surgery. Our aims were to determine if robotic surgery novices would demonstrate improved technical skills after completing FRS training on the RobotiX Mentor, and to compare the effectiveness of FRS across training platforms.

Are current credentialing requirements for robotic surgery adequate to ensure surgeon proficiency?

Background: Robotic surgery has seen unprecedented growth, requiring hospitals to establish or update credentialing policies regarding this technology. Concerns about verification of robotic surgeon proficiency and the adequacy of current credentialing criteria to maintain patient safety have arisen. The aim of this project was to examine existing institutional credentialing requirements for robotic surgery and evaluate their adequacy in ensuring surgeon proficiency.

Utilising the Delphi Process to Develop a Proficiency-based Progression Train-the-trainer Course for Robotic Surgery Training.

Context: As the role of robot-assisted surgery continues to expand, development of standardised and validated training programmes is becoming increasingly important.

Objective: To provide guidance on an optimised "train-the-trainer" (TTT) structured educational programme for surgical trainers, in which delegates learn a standardised approach to training candidates in skill acquisition. We aim to describe a TTT course for robotic surgery based on the current published literature and to define the key elements within a TTT course by seeking consensus from an expert committee formed of key opinion leaders in training.