Pd15-04 Augmented Reality in Global Surgery Education for Pediatric and Reconstructive Urology Procedures: A Collaborative Experience Combining in-Person and Ar-Technology for Telementoring

You have accessJournal of UrologyGlobal Health/Humanitarian (PD15)1 May 2024PD15-04 AUGMENTED REALITY IN GLOBAL SURGERY EDUCATION FOR PEDIATRIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE UROLOGY PROCEDURES: A COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE COMBINING IN-PERSON AND AR-TECHNOLOGY FOR TELEMENTORING Michael E. Chua, Kate L. Aba, Kay C. Rivera, Sharon Tse, Ellen C. Chong, Kurt McCammon, and Manuel See Michael E. ChuaMichael E. Chua , Kate L. AbaKate L. Aba , Kay C. RiveraKay C. Rivera , Sharon TseSharon Tse , Ellen C. ChongEllen C. Chong , Kurt McCammonKurt McCammon , and Manuel SeeManuel See View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001008648.33830.32.04AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Global surgery in pediatric and adolescent reconstructive urology procedures seeks to enhance access to essential surgical care in low to middle-income countries (LMICs). Recent advancements in augmented reality (AR) have enabled distant telementoring using wearable technology. This study aims to present our preliminary experience with a global surgery education collaborative in pediatric and reconstructive genitourinary procedures, employing a combination of in-person training and AR technology. The study includes a prospective registry to monitor surgical outcomes and assess the skill transfer perceived among mentees. METHODS: A prospective descriptive study conducted after obtaining research ethics board approval from SickKids (REB #1000079227). In December 2022, a pilot in-person Global Surgery program focused on pediatric and adult reconstructive procedures were carried out at a tertiary referral medical center in the Philippines, utilizing Vuzix M400 AR smart glasses. A registry was established to prospectively record case characteristics and surgical outcomes. The mentees' confidence and understanding of surgical knowledge and skills were evaluated before and after the procedures. RESULTS: Total of 9 procedures were performed, including laparoscopic procedures (orchidopexies and cystography) and open reconstructive procedures (ileocystoplasty bladder augmentation, vesicovaginal sinus repair, penoplasty, buccal graft hypospadias repair and redo-urethroplasty). No intraoperative or short-term complications. Following the procedures, the 6 local surgeon mentees exhibited significant improvement in their surgical skill understanding and confidence. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary experience with the mixed approach of in-person and AR technology for telementoring in global surgery focused on pediatric and reconstructive genitourinary procedures demonstrated feasibility and achieved safe surgical outcomes. To ensure long-term success, a continued commitment to follow-up on the procedures performed is essential. This collaborative method shows promise in enhancing surgical education and access to specialized training, especially in LMICs. Further research and long-term evaluation are warranted to assess the sustainability and widespread applicability of this approach in global surgery education for pediatric and reconstructive urology surgeries. Source of Funding: None © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e360 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Michael E. Chua More articles by this author Kate L. Aba More articles by this author Kay C. Rivera More articles by this author Sharon Tse More articles by this author Ellen C. Chong More articles by this author Kurt McCammon More articles by this author Manuel See More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...