Rate of skill acquisition in the use of a robotic laparoscope holder (FreeHand®). Issue 4 (3rd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sbaih, Mohammed; Arulampalam, Thanjakumar H. A.; Motson, Roger W.
• Is Part Of: Minimally invasive therapy & allied technologies. Volume 25:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 196
• Page End: 202
• Publication Date: 2016-07-03
• Subjects: FreeHand -- robot-assisted surgery -- laparoscopic surgery -- laparoscope holder -- robotic -- learning curve -- performance; Endoscopy -- Periodicals; Interventional radiology -- Periodicals; Endoscopic surgery -- Periodicals; 617.05
• DOI: 10.1080/13645706.2016.1182031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-5706

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Robotic equipment can greatly add to the ergonomics of a surgical procedure and pre-operative simulation can provide risk-free training of the surgeon leading to precision surgery and less trauma to the patient. Freehand ® is a second-generation robotic camera-holding device, which has recently become available to laparoscopic surgeons. It is controlled by the operator selecting a direction using head movement followed by activation with a foot pedal. The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of skill acquisition in the use of the FreeHand ® robotic laparoscope holder by a group of laparoscopic surgeons by enrolling them into a programme of training modules at The ICENI Centre, Colchester Hospital University, UK. Material and methods: Twenty surgical registrars performed a series of exercises, escalating in difficulty, to test their skill in controlling the FreeHand ® robot. Subjective and objective assessments were evaluated by an observer and by tracking analysis software created for this trial. Results: The observed number of head movements showed a Percentage Performance Score (PPS) of 98% by the end of the third repetition of all exercises, the mean Total Head Movements Score (HMS) reached a plateau of performance at 72%. Fifty per cent of the participants selected 'Effective control of movements without difficulty' in the subjective evaluation by the end of the third repetition of exercises, while 35% selected 'competent intuitive movements'. Conclusion: The FreeHand ® robotic laparoscope holder is a useful device, which is easy to operate and requires a very short course of training to achieve competence in its use.