Prospective Randomized Trial of Three-Dimensional Exoscope versus Conventional Tonsillectomy: Evaluating Surgical Ergonomics and Education
Poster #: 076
Session/Time: A
Author:
Michael Baroody, BS
Mentor:
Cristina Baldassari, MD
Research Type: Clinical Research
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Tonsillectomy is one of the most common procedures in otolaryngology. This surgery is typically performed by using electrocautery to remove the tissue. Due to the intraoral nature of the procedure, visualization of the surgical site can be challenging. The exoscope is a novel tool that provides 3D visualization of the surgical field. This study aimed to evaluate the ergonomics and teaching effectiveness of exoscope-assisted tonsillectomy compared to traditional tonsillectomy.
METHODS:
In this prospective, randomized trial, pediatric and adult patients underwent one-sided conventional tonsillectomy and contralateral exoscope-assisted tonsillectomy. We assessed surgeon ergonomics using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) instrument. Both residents and attending physicians also completed postoperative surveys that evaluated teaching quality (SETQ), perceived exertion (Borg CR10), and visualization quality. We analyzed RULA scores using linear mixed-effects models with surgeon and patient as random factors. We used Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to compare the survey data.
RESULTS:
RULA scores were significantly lower for exoscope-assisted tonsillectomy compared to conventional tonsillectomy (p < 0.01), indicating better ergonomics. Postoperative survey responses also favored the exoscope in several areas, including perceived exertion, quality of visualization, and teaching effectiveness (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
Exoscope-assisted tonsillectomy may have ergonomic benefits and improve the intraoperative educational experience as reported by both trainees and attending surgeons. Additional data collection through ongoing patient enrollment will allow for a better understanding of the utility of this novel device. 1Eastern Virginia Medical School, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 2Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Tonsillectomy is one of the most common procedures in otolaryngology. This surgery is typically performed by using electrocautery to remove the tissue. Due to the intraoral nature of the procedure, visualization of the surgical site can be challenging. The exoscope is a novel tool that provides 3D visualization of the surgical field. This study aimed to evaluate the ergonomics and teaching effectiveness of exoscope-assisted tonsillectomy compared to traditional tonsillectomy.
METHODS:
In this prospective, randomized trial, pediatric and adult patients underwent one-sided conventional tonsillectomy and contralateral exoscope-assisted tonsillectomy. We assessed surgeon ergonomics using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) instrument. Both residents and attending physicians also completed postoperative surveys that evaluated teaching quality (SETQ), perceived exertion (Borg CR10), and visualization quality. We analyzed RULA scores using linear mixed-effects models with surgeon and patient as random factors. We used Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to compare the survey data.
RESULTS:
RULA scores were significantly lower for exoscope-assisted tonsillectomy compared to conventional tonsillectomy (p < 0.01), indicating better ergonomics. Postoperative survey responses also favored the exoscope in several areas, including perceived exertion, quality of visualization, and teaching effectiveness (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
Exoscope-assisted tonsillectomy may have ergonomic benefits and improve the intraoperative educational experience as reported by both trainees and attending surgeons. Additional data collection through ongoing patient enrollment will allow for a better understanding of the utility of this novel device. 1Eastern Virginia Medical School, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 2Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA