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Annals of Surgical Oncology

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01-08-2013 | Endocrine Tumors

Telementoring: A Multi-institutional Experience with the Introduction of a Novel Surgical Approach for Adrenalectomy

Authors: Sarah Treter, MD, Nancy Perrier, MD, Julie Ann Sosa, MD, Sanziana Roman, MD

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 8/2013

Abstract

Background

Telementoring is a video-conferencing tool which can deliver expert opinion to physicians and their patients in remote locations. We report our experience with the use of telementoring as a technique to instruct in the performance of posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (PRA). Issues regarding utility, regulation, and future directions of telementoring are addressed.

Methods

Two consecutive PRAs conducted at Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, with telementored guidance from MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, are presented. Practical points in implementing cross-institutional telementoring are presented. A review of the current literature was done to discuss medicolegal issues, regulations and a proposal for future implementation of this technique.

Results

The PRAs were performed after careful preparation of appropriate issues regarding cross-institutional telementoring. The procedures were performed quickly and safely. Loss of transmission occurred once, but was reestablished within seconds and was not disruptive to the surgical procedure. Patients were discharged within 48 hours and without complications. In our experience, telementoring was convenient and effective in helping with the execution of a new surgical technique.

Conclusions

Telementoring is a technical application with utility in remotely helping and guiding another surgeon through the execution of a novel surgical approach. The cyberspace consultation is safe and enhances patient care through a real-time collaborative approach which extends beyond the confines of one institution and one surgeon. Aspects concerning improvement in both implementation and regulation of telementoring mandate further research and creation of nationwide guidelines.

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Title: Telementoring: A Multi-institutional Experience with the Introduction of a Novel Surgical Approach for Adrenalectomy
Authors: Sarah Treter, MD
Nancy Perrier, MD
Julie Ann Sosa, MD
Sanziana Roman, MD
Publication date: 01-08-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 8/2013
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-013-2894-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Telementoring: A Multi-institutional Experience with the Introduction of a Novel Surgical Approach for Adrenalectomy

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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