Laparoscopic Lens Contamination and Its Impact In Thoracic Surgery
Faisal Alshlahi
University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Background: There is an increasing number of Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) operations due to the demonstrated evidence showing its benefit compared with a traditional thoracotomy approach. In VATS surgery, the camera lens acts as a surgeons' eyes inside the chest cavity, therefore any issues arising from polluting the lens would lead to loss visual acuity and impede the surgeon’s ability to complete their task. This pilot project will aim to quantify the frequency and duration of lens contamination and associated impacts on thoracic surgery. Methods: Data is collected manually in a specialty thoracic unit where staff in these theatres remain largely unchanged. Procedures that were VATS-related were observed and data was recorded in a form by a member of staff. An example of the type of data that was collected is attached to this abstract. It was crucial for the team to not notify the surgical team of the data recording to not misrepresent the results of the project. Results: These are preliminary results; more data is expected. 13 VATS operations were observed, around 18 hours of operating. 44 cleaning events were recorded, at an average of 3.3 cleaning events per operation. A total time spent cleaning was 16:22 at an average of 1:16 per operation and 22 seconds per cleaning event. On average, 3.1% of operating time was spent cleaning the lens. Only 2 operations ended quickly with no contamination and 2 operations were converted to open thoracotomy. When comparing variables using % of time spent cleaning: Using a 3-port method, 3.1% compared with 1.9% for a Uniportal method, and Using a 3d scope, 1.3% compared with 3.5% for a 2d scope. Conclusions: Lens contamination is a major cause of frustration to surgeons and staff alike. There is currently no literature that provides evidence of benefit to a cleaning method and it is left to a surgeon’s personal experience or belief. This project aims to provide statistical evidence for different cleaning techniques or equipment to cut down on time wasted.
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