Consumer-based technology for distribution of surgical videos for objective evaluation.
BACKGROUND
The Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skill (GOALS) is one validated metric utilized to grade laparoscopic skills and has been utilized to score recorded operative videos. To facilitate easier viewing of these recorded videos, we are developing novel techniques to enable surgeons to view these videos. The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility of utilizing widespread current consumer-based technology to assist in distributing appropriate videos for objective evaluation.


METHODS
Videos from residents were recorded via a direct connection from the camera processor via an S-video output via a cable into a hub to connect to a standard laptop computer via a universal serial bus (USB) port. A standard consumer-based video editing program was utilized to capture the video and record in appropriate format. We utilized mp4 format, and depending on the size of the file, the videos were scaled down (compressed), their format changed (using a standard video editing program), or sliced into multiple videos. Standard available consumer-based programs were utilized to convert the video into a more appropriate format for handheld personal digital assistants. In addition, the videos were uploaded to a social networking website and video sharing websites.


RESULTS
Recorded cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a porcine model were utilized. Compression was required for all formats. All formats were accessed from home computers, work computers, and iPhones without difficulty. Qualitative analyses by four surgeons demonstrated appropriate quality to grade for these formats.


CONCLUSIONS
Our preliminary results show promise that, utilizing consumer-based technology, videos can be easily distributed to surgeons to grade via GOALS via various methods. Easy accessibility may help make evaluation of resident videos less complicated and cumbersome.
Division of Laparoendoscopic and Bariatric Surgery and Center of Excellence for Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1475 NW 12th Avenue, Suite 4017, Miami, FL 33136, USA. Rgonzalez4@med.miami.edu
Ray
R
Gonzalez
Jose M
JM
Martinez
Emanuele
E
Lo Menzo
Alberto R
AR
Iglesias
Charles Y
CY
Ro
Atul K
AK
Madan
D000818:Animals; D040421:Cell Phone; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000193:education*; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D007396:Internship and Residency; D060756:Social Networking; D013552:Swine; D013685:Telecommunications / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014741:Video Recording / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*