Video transmission of urology surgeries: proof of concept in a resource-constrained environment

Main Article Content

J Lazarus
SR Thomson

Abstract

Video capture is widely used to transmit, record and archive, open and minimal access procedures across a variety of interventional 
disciplines.1-4 It is used as an educational tool for operators, trainees, and observers, for audit and monitoring of performance indicators and for medicolegal purposes.5-9


Recording procedures pose challenges as the integration and manipulation of a variety of video sources (external cameras, views from flexible and rigid endoscopes, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, etc.) are required to ensure consistent and optimal image quality, particularly during live transmission to large audiences and for telementoring. 


There are a variety of commercial devices that have been developed for specific purposes and companies that offer a specific software/hardware integration with or without virtual tools that can improve the educational aspects, particularly for telementoring. These include GoPro, Proximie, SWIS Surgical Video and SurgiCams.9-12 These commercial entities are costly, as are AV production companies to manage live events and deter from their use on a regular basis in resource-restricted healthcare systems.


There is a paucity of systems developed by innovative surgeons using standard low-cost hardware and open-source software.9 This
study describes and illustrates the components of such a low-cost system and their successful integration for live transmission of urology procedures.

Article Details

Section
Review
Author Biographies

J Lazarus, University of Cape Town

Division of Urology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa

SR Thomson, University of Cape Town

Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa