Laparoscopic surgery offers a unique advantage by having an available digital image which can be transmitted using modern technologies for training and mentoring. This facilitates sharing newer techniques among surgeons and provides a useful platform for training junior doctors.

Working in collaboration with surgeons from ARI the project aims to deliver live laparoscopic images via videoconferencing to a number of clinical & educational sites both in the UK and overseas; establish post-surgical review clinics via videoconferencing for patients in remote, rural and island areas in the North of Scotland; provide a tele-mentoring service to clinicians in the north of Scotland and deliver clinical teaching sessions from ARI to specialist registrars in remote hospitals.

To date the key outcomes of the project have been:

• Linking operations led by Professor Zyg Krukowski and Mr. Irfan Ahmed from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to the 3rd International Live Laparoscopic Surgery Conference 2009.

• Providing post surgical follow up appointments for patients in Orkney & Shetland

• Providing training opportunities for clinical staff
  

Professor Krukowski from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary said

”Aberdeen has a reputation for delivering highest quality surgery and being at the leading edge of surgical innovation, linking to the International Live Laparoscopic Conference showed that this tradition is as strong as ever.”

Regular teaching sessions from theatres in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary will be transmitted live to the new Suttie Centre as part of the post-graduate registrar training programme and there are plans to develop a tele-mentoring programme to facilitate the development of the new surgical skills.

Contact Cathy Dorrian: cathy.dorrian@nhs.net