Surgical telementoring in knowledge translation--clinical outcomes and educational benefits: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Background: Surgical telementoring has been reported for decades. However, there exists limited evidence of clinical outcome and educational benefits.

Objective: To perform a comprehensive review of surgical telementoring surveys published in the past 2 decades.

Results: Of 624 primary identified articles, 34 articles were reviewed. A total of 433 surgical procedures were performed by 180 surgeons. Most common telementored procedures were laparoscopic cholecystectomy (57 cases, 13%), endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysm (48 cases, 11%), laparoscopic colectomy (32 cases, 7%), and nefrectomies (41 cases, 9%). In all, 167 (38%) cases had a laparoscopic approach, and 8 cases (5%) were converted to open surgery. Overall, 20 complications (5%) were reported (liver bleeding, trocar port bleeding, bile collection, postoperative ileus, wound infection, serosa tears, iliac artery rupture, conversion open surgery). Eight surveys (23%) have structured assessment of educational outcomes. Telementoring was combined with simulators (n = 2) and robotics (n = 3). Twelve surveys (35%) were intercontinental. Technology satisfaction was high among 83% of surgeons.

Conclusion: Few surveys have a structured assessment of educational outcome. Telementoring has improved impact on surgical education. Reported complication rate was 5%.

Keywords: general surgery; laparoscopy; surgical education; surgical telementoring; telemedicine; videoconferencing.