Closed circuit TV transmission of microsurgery for family members.

1. The Hara Eye Hospital in Japan has been transmitting microsurgical procedures on closed circuit television to patients' family members since 1975. The procedure is recorded through the operating microscope and accompanied by an explanation from the surgeon; family members view the operating room on a second monitor. 2. As the operation progresses, the surgeon explains his or her techniques to the family members, who can ask questions at any time during the procedure. Before leaving the hospital, patients can view an edited videotape of the type of surgical procedure they underwent. A question-and-answer session also is conducted between patients and a nurse. 3. Eighty percent of patients and 73% of family members responded that they did not understand our slide explanation of the surgical procedure as well as when they observed the event on television. This system allows family members to participate in the operation without contaminating the operating room.