064IC - Conquering the Learning Curve of Single Port Robotic Surgery : A Step by Step Approach Using Video Based Instruction

Course Description: The initial SP adoption period represents a discovery phase, during which a restricted number of experienced surgeons have attempted to make the most of this new technology. This was particularly important in adaptation from the da Vinci Xi to the SP robot, as although the new features of the SP platform allow novel strategies, they have added complexity to procedures. .
Most urologists approaching Single Port surgery focus on technical aspects of the single port robot and neglect the modifications required in the surgical approach to adopt the novel platform. Urologists whom have sucessfully adopted SP surgery , advance through the learning curve of SP surgery by progressively adopting their approach and overcomming the technical challanges . In this course proposal, we aim to implement educational interventions to address skills for practicing urologists wishing to adopt Single Port robotic approach.
In this course proposal, we aim to implement a video-based step by step educational strategies to address technical barriers for practicing urologists wishing to adopt Single Port robotic approach. We intend to achieve this by presenting unique perspective from 3 urologist who meticulously modified their conventional robotic approach to suit that of Single Port surgery eventually transforming their practice to Single Port robotics. Although the single-incision approach, offers potential benefits it also presents unique challenges for the surgical assistant in comparison to the multiport approach. In response, a Physician Assistant specializing in robotic bedside assistance was added to the faculty to address this gap.

This course serves to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that most urologist are unfamiliar with but are rapidly becoming a part of patient care in today’s healthcare landscape. This course will be led by a group of directors and faculty who have a significant experience with the SP platform. Each Faculty will focus on a specific robotic procedure (Radical Prostatectomy, Partial Nephrectomy, Trans vesical prostate enucleation), each describing the evolution and modification to their approach, technical aspects, patient selection, and most importantly how to overcome complications. in addition, a PA specializing in robotic bed side assistance will guide the particpants (Urologists and other APPs) on specifics to the single-port platform.
This course differs from other similar courses in that it will focus on how a surgeon can modify their procedure in a stepwise manner to safely adopt this novel technology without compromising patient care. All presentations will focus on video-based step by step instruction for the 3 surgical procedures, offering side by side comparisons of single port vs multiport for cirtical steps of the 3 procedures.

To optimize the particpants understanding of the material several educational pedagogy will be utilized:
1- Audience particpation and reflection through polls embedded into the faculty presentations
2- Presentations will focus on video based step by step instructions of cases (similar to semi-live surgeries)
3- Q&A sessions inbetween each presentation to encourge interactive discussions with the audience

Learning Objective 1: 1) Acquire the Knowledge required to safety adopt the single port robotic platform.
a. Understand the hardware/software differences between multiport and single port robotic platforms including the benefits and limitations of each technology.
b. Understand and explain the approaches, access , procedure modifications, post operative course unique to single port robotic surgery.

Learning Objective 2: 2) Apply all the knowledge and approaches required to perform complex procedures (namely ; Extraperitoenal Radical Prostatectomy, Retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy and transvesical enucleation of the prostate) safety using the single port robotic platform .
a. Understand the unique access/docking methods and approaches for SP robot
b. Understand the various applications of the flexible SP camera
c. Understand the various applications of the SP instruments
d. Understand with various orientation of SP instruments and camera to complete a series of critical steps for the 3 procedures
e. Tips and trick to to successfully and safely adopt the procedure
c. Understand how to avoid and manage complications that may arise from performing SP robotic surgery

Learning Objective 3: 3) Understand how to utilize the bed side assistant during these procedures including.
a. Port Placement: Accurately placing the ports under direct vision to ensure optimal space and prevent injury to vital structures.
b. Instrument Handling: Familiarity with laparoscopic instruments and their use in single-port surgery.
c. Traction and Retraction: Providing adequate traction and retraction to aid in tissue dissection.
d. Suction and Irrigation: Performing suctioning and irrigating to maintain a clear surgical field.
e. Safety Monitoring: Ensuring patient safety by monitoring the patient's position, robotic arms to prevent injury and particular issues related to insufflation.
Overall, the bedside assistant plays a vital role in single-port robotic surgery, contributing to the success of the procedure by providing essential support and ensuring patient safety within the constraints of the single-port approach.