Educational value of a high-definition three-dimensional extracorporeal telescope (exoscope) in lateral access spine surgery.

BACKGROUND

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is gaining popularity as a minimally invasive surgical option for patients with degenerative lumbar conditions. However, given the minimally invasive nature, surgical trainees and assistants struggle to visualise the procedure from the surgeon's perspective. Hence, this study aims to assess the educational benefits of using an extracorporeal telescope (exoscope) during LLIF.

METHODS

This survey was conducted in Changi General Hospital. All junior surgical doctors (JSDs) and scrub nurses (ScNs) who participated in LLIF cases with and without the usage of an exoscope were included in the survey. They answered a set of seven questions (scored 1 to 5) to evaluate their learning experience when the exoscope was used. The median of the scores was reported with interquartile range (IQR).

RESULTS

A total of 12 participants were included. They reported enhanced visualisation of anatomy during both superficial dissection [median score =4.5 (IQR, 4-5)] and deep dissection [median score =5 (IQR, 5-5)]. Similar ratings were given for understanding disc space anatomy [median score =5 (IQR, 5-5)] and overall appreciation of the surgery [median score =5 (IQR, 4.25-5)]. Participants found the exoscope to be more ergonomic for visualizing the surgery [median score =5 (IQR, 4-5)] and noted significant knowledge improvement in LLIF procedures [median score =5 (IQR, 4-5)]. They expressed a strong preference for its use in future LLIF cases [median score =5 (IQR, 4.25-5)].

CONCLUSIONS

The exoscope is a valuable asset for lateral access spinal procedures, enhancing the educational experience for JSDs and ScNs.