Laparoscopic versus Open Transverse-Incision Approach for Right Hemicolectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evaluating Laparoscopic Skills: Report on the Origami Crane Folding Competition Using Laparoscopic Instruments With Objective Criteria

PURPOSE

To evaluate the importance of daily laparoscopic training using laparoscopic forceps to fold origami paper cranes (a traditional Japanese paper craft) and assess the performance of laparoscopic origami crane folding in an actual competition.

METHOD

A competition, named the "Kaminote Challenge World Championship," was used to evaluate the effectiveness of training. The participants folded the paper cranes using laparoscopic forceps. The judges evaluated the speed at which the paper cranes were folded and the quality of the completed cranes, using objective criteria.

RESULTS

The competition was held twice, in 2022 and 2023, with 27 and 36 participants, respectively. The participants were surgeons, veterinarians, and students from Japan, Mexico, and Vietnam. The completion rate for folding a paper crane within seven minutes was 70.4% in 2022 (19/27) and 44.4% in 2023 (16/36). In the second competition, 75.0% (12/16) of the participants who completed the origami crane within seven minutes had practiced folding more than 1,000 cranes. Despite the competitive pressure, the top performers folded paper cranes with minimal deductions for quality and used the laparoscopic forceps precisely. The winners of the 1st prize in 2022 and 2023 completed the task in 2 min 46 s and 2 min 45 s, respectively, without any penalty.

CONCLUSIONS

Training by folding paper cranes using laparoscopic forceps is highly likely to lead to improved laparoscopic surgery skills. Such competitions may also be useful as an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their forceps manipulation ability and maintain motivation.

Efficiency in image-guided robotic and conventional camera steering: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Robotic camera steering systems have been developed to facilitate endoscopic surgery. In this study, a randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare conventional human camera control with the AutoLap™ robotic camera holder in terms of efficiency and user experience when performing routine laparoscopic procedures. Novelty of this system relates to the steering method, which is image based.

METHODS

Patients undergoing an elective laparoscopic hemicolectomy, sigmoid resection, fundoplication and cholecystectomy between September 2016 and January 2018 were included. Stratified block randomization was used for group allocation. The primary aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of robotic and human camera control, measured with surgical team size and total operating time. Secondary outcome parameters were number of cleaning moments of the laparoscope and the post-study system usability questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients were randomized to have robotic (50) versus human (50) camera control. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. In the robotic group, 49/50 (98%) of procedures were carried out without human camera control, reducing the surgical team size from four to three individuals. The median total operative time (60.0 versus 53.0 min, robotic vs. control) was not significantly different, p = 0.122. The questionnaire showed a positive user satisfaction and easy control of the robotic camera holder.

CONCLUSION

Image-based robotic camera control can reduce surgical team size and does not result in significant difference in operative time compared to human camera control. Moreover, robotic image-guided camera control was associated with positive user experience.