Introduction
A common challenge during laparoscopic surgery is proper usage of the 30 degree laparoscope. Optimal images are obtained by adjusting both the axis of the scope and the angle of lens as determined by the orientation of the light cord. Hence, utilizing a novice as the primary camera operator often results in a frustrating and inefficient operative experience for both the surgeon and the learner. The goal of our study is to validate an efficient and simple camera navigation trainer.
Methods
34 novice camera operators completed a pretest in order to assess their baseline comfort with a 30 degree scope and ability to demonstrate 6 views by command, then display the appropriate view for 4 scenarios. A system of verbal cues was then instituted to facilitate better communication between the instructor and camera operator. In this system, the position of the light cord was used as a reference to correlate with the view desired. For instance, the light cord pointing down was called the 6 o’clock position and referred to looking up, from below. Once the 6 views with the corresponding clock position of the light cord were demonstrated and the ideal view for the scenarios was shown, the novices underwent a practice session to obtain the same views. The students were then tested again with the same tasks given in the pretest. The Fisher’s exact test was used to determine statistical significance between pre and post training scores.
Results
34 medical students participated in the study. 29 (85%) had never used a 30 degree laparoscope before. 30 (88%) students were unable to articulate the difference between a zero degree and a 30 degree scope prior to training, but all 34 students were successful post-training (p
Session: Poster
Program Number: P161
