| Abstract: |
Many procedures in a broad spectrum of clinical specialities can be managed through a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach. Indeed, minimal access surgery has become increasingly accepted by the surgical community, but the surgeon is faced with the necessity of following a specific training. Over the past two decades, advances in computer-assisted technology and telecommunications have deeply altered surgical education. The role of the traditional "Professor of Surgery" has been superseded by the quantity and quality of knowledge available not only in the media and on the Internet, but also in CD-ROMs, DVDs, stream videos, webcasts and telementoring. Nowadays, information and knowledge is readily accessible for all to find. What is more, the knowledge of highly skilled teachers is available worldwide thanks to the Internet and other multimedia technologies. As new perspectives are opening up on the surgical horizon, such as natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), the need to apply new technologies to teaching and training as well as in daily clinical practice has become evident. This encapsulates multimedia, computer-assisted learning, videoconferencing, virtual reality and computer-assisted simulation in order to maximize surgical education. Telementoring through videoconferencing renders the acquisition of the cognitive aspects of surgical procedures easier through the observation of experts during hands-on practice. The development of computer technology allows to recreate a virtual 3D model of the patient, capable of simulating the patient's anatomy on a computer; computerized 3D images also allow virtual navigation around and into the anatomical structures, simulation of various interventions as well as automated volume calculation. In addition, a virtual reconstruction of the patient may also enhance diagnosis and enable a preoperative simulation and a preoperative training. Finally, the computerized data will allow the scheduling of automated surgical procedures. Robotics have demonstrated their ability in performing long-distance, remote-controlled surgical procedures. Surgeons require access to information whenever and wherever, and the Internet offers them that very chance, along with observation, training and education. Websites dedicated to surgery such as www.websurg.com incorporate all aspects of surgical training including fully illustrated and animated operative techniques, videos and experts' recommendations that, with the continuous updating of information, represent the future tool for the transfer of surgical and scientific knowledge. Using all these technologies, education may be improved through WeBSurg's virtual university as it gathers academic knowledge, education and expertise from around the world without any constraints of time and/or space. It will also facilitate the standardization of surgical treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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