Virtual reality training for endoscopic surgery : composing a validated training program for basic skills

Endoscopic surgery demands different specific psychomotor skills than open surgery.\ud Virtual reality simulation training has the potential to be a valuable tool in training these skills, because simulation provides the opportunity to train psychomotor skills in a safe environment. In addition to training, virtual reality simulators are capable to objectively assess the skills of a subject in training. In contrast to traditional box trainers and animal models that require human monitored evaluation resulting in subjective assessment. The LapSim virtual reality simulator is a system designed to develop and assess basic psychomotor skills and advanced laparoscopic tasks in a virtual environment. Prior to implementation of these simulation based training modalities into the surgical training curriculum the simulator has to be validated. The training programs should be developed and evaluated

Preoperative screening and prehabilitation strategies prior to ileocolic resection in patients with Crohn’s disease are not incorporated in routine care

Purpose: Recently, recommendations on perioperative care have been published to optimize postoperative outcomes in preoperative patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This study evaluated the current use of preoperative screening and prehabilitation strategies (PS) prior to elective ileocolic resection (ICR) in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Methods: Patients with CD who underwent an elective ICR were identified from a Dutch prospective cohort study. Primary endpoint was to evaluate to what extent IBD-relevant PS were applied in patients with CD prior to ICR according to the current recommendations. Results: In total, 109 CD patients were included. Screening of nutritional status was performed in 56% of the patients and revealed malnutrition in 46% of these patients. Of the malnourished patients, 46% was referred to a dietitian. Active smoking and alcohol consumption were reported in 20% and 28%; none of these patients were referred for a cessation program. A preoperative anemia was diagnosed in 61%, and ferritin levels were assessed in 26% of these patients. Iron therapy was started in 25% of the patients with an iron deficiency anemia. Exposure to corticosteroids at time of ICR was reported in 29% and weaned off in 3%. Consultation of a dietitian, psychologist, and physiotherapist was reported in 36%, 7%, and 3%. Physical fitness was assessed in none of the patients. Conclusion: PS are not routinely applied and not individually tailored in the preoperative setting prior to elective ICR in patients with CD. Prior to implementation, future research on the costs and effectiveness of PS on postoperative outcomes and quality of life is necessary.</p