TITLE:
Importance of a Proper Planning of Surgical Procedures in Pediatric Laparoscopy. Theater Checklist
AUTHORS:
Antonio Marte, Lucia Pintozzi, Micaela Borrelli, Pio Parmeggiani
KEYWORDS:
Ergonomics; Checklist; Laparoscopy; Children
JOURNAL NAME:
Surgical Science,
Vol.3 No.12,
December
12,
2012
ABSTRACT: Aims: Ergonomics and proper planning of surgical procedures are the basis of success for laparoscopy in children. The successful execution of a laparoscopic procedure requires a great familiarity with the equipment and the positioning of the operators. This is to avoid unnecessary surgical team fatigue that affects the duration and effectiveness of the intervention. We conducted a study on our laparoscopic procedures to determine the effectiveness and usefulness of the application of ergonomics and a regular use of a preoperative checklist. Materials and Methods: We studied the laparoscopic operations performed by a single operator between January 2008 and July 2011. These factors were considered: the position and orientation of equipment, crew and patient discomfort, and the problems encountered by the operators. We used as evaluation criteria the diagrams proposed by Lenoir and Steinbrecher and an appropriate preoperative checklist. Results: Of the 49 measures considered, only 22 procedures were useful and met the evaluation criteria. No correlation, referring to the physical measures, were detected in operations lasting