Srecko
Branica, MD, PhD
In medicine as
a whole, and especially in its surgical fields, it is difficult
to precisely describe the work methodology using words and
numbers. This is why teleconferencing is essential in obtaining
complete and correct information.
With regard to
the knowledge and experience of the observer(s) in relation
to the surgeon performing the operation, surgical teleconferencing
can be divided as follows:
1. teleeducation – the most experienced surgeon with
the most knowledge is performing the surgery while others
are learning by observing and asking questions
2. teleconsultation – a less experienced surgeon is
performing the surgery while one or more colleagues help with
their advice and experience
3. discussion – several colleagues with approximately
the same level of experience follow the surgery performed
by one of them
4. a combination of several of the techniques mentioned above.
The advantages
of teleconferencing in surgery are:
1. In most cases the number of observers is unlimited.
2. The observers are at a remote location and do not distract
the surgeon with their presence in the operation room.
3. The observers don’t impact the sterility of the operating
room.
4. By placing the camera directly above the operation field,
the remote observers have better information than if they
were in the operating room itself.
5. By transmitting the information over large distances it
is no longer necessary to travel to the source of information,
thus saving time and money.
6. The possibility of contacting more experienced colleagues
in other hospitals during unexpected situations or various
complications, which the surgeon is unable to resolve by himself.
