Point-of-view technology to teach surgery

Abstract

Background: Varied and limited opportunities to assist during operations, hamper surgical procedural training. Furthermore, the trainee's view of the procedure differs from that of the operating surgeon. New solutions could emerge when instruction under direct supervision can be combined with technological advances in surgical practice. This study assesses the feasibility of using the GoPro HERO^™ to record operations for educational purposes, from the perspective of the surgical and technical team.

Method: A "point-of-view" wearable GoPro camera was used to record standard operations at Tygerberg Academic Hospital, affiliated with Stellenbosch University, in Cape Town. Semi-structured interviews evaluated the practical acceptability of the GoPro in theatre by clinical personnel. The technical team reflected on picture quality, video editing and formatting. Techsmith Camtasia Studio 9^® programme was employed for post- recording editing.

Results: Eight operations were performed by three surgeons. No interference with operative sterility, procedural length, nor functioning in the operating room was encountered by clinical personnel. Technically, the quality and picture field were adequate. All surgeons found the camera head band tight and the camera heavy. The limited battery life during recording was problematic throughout the study.

Conclusion: Wearable cameras allow recordings of surgical procedures from the surgeon's view, for adjunctive educational purposes. This study confirms the feasibility and utility of GoPro to record real time operations without compromising patient care. The videos have cross-discipline potential for teaching within medicine. Creation of a video library as a resource to evaluate the educational value for trainees is envisioned.