SURGERY 7001OL - Minimally Invasive Surgery Theory I

Online - Quadmester 1 - 2014

Theory I Provides a thorough introduction into the history of minimally invasive surgery. Students will then investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information on a large range of theoretical and practical aspects of minimally invasive surgery including operating theatre design-endosuite standards, the anatomy of a trouble shooting for a laparoscopic tower, laparoscopes, visualisation systems and recording devices, electrosurgery, energy devices, harmonics, liasure and thunderbeat, plasma medicine, tissue approaximation, suture technique and staple technology.

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Course Details

Course Code	SURGERY 7001OL
Course	Minimally Invasive Surgery Theory I
Coordinating Unit	Surgery
Term	Quadmester 1
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	Online
Units	3
Contact	Up to 3 hours per week
Assumed Knowledge	Basic knowledge of minimally invasive surgical techniques
Restrictions	Available to MMIS students only
Assessment	Examination, online assessment, classroom contribution

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Peter Hewett

Additional Academic Staff

Name	Phone	Email	Location
Mr (Chrys) Indran Chrysantha Sri Lal Hensman MBBS (Hons) FRACS	03 9760 2777	chris.hensman@adelaide.edu.au	Melbourne
Mr Alex Karatassas MBBS, FRACS	08 8222 6750	alex.karatassas@adelaide.edu.au	The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Dr Dinesh TrehanMBBS, MS (Gen.Surg), DNB (Gen.Surg)FRACGP, FRACS	08 8182 9000	dinesh.trehan@adelaide.edu.au	Royal Adelaide Hospital
Dr. Santosh Antony 0lakkengil, MBBS, DNB (Gen.Surg.), M.MinInvSu.(Aus), FIAGES	08 8123 6826	santosh.olakkengil@adelaide.edu.au	Royal Adelaide Hospital

Administrative Contact Details

Name	Phone	Email	Location
Ms Sally Lauder	08 8222 7024	sally.lauder@health.sa.gov.au	The Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

1	Understand the basis and relevance of the program and understand how continuous innovation in surgical technique and instrumentation has brought minimally invasive surgery to its current state.
2	Appreciate the fundamentals about operating theatre design and endosuite standards for the future and predict how changing technology will influence operation theatre design.
3	Demonstrate mastery in the anatomy of, and trouble shooting for, a laparoscopic tower and to have the skills and knowledge to correct malfunctions in the components of the laparoscopic tower.
4	Demonstrate an understanding of laparoscopes, visualisation systems and recording devices used in minimally invasive surgery.
5	Demonstrate the mastery of theoretical knowledge relating to electrosurgery in open and laparoscopic surgery.
6	Understand the theoretical knowledge relating to energy devices: Harmonics, Ligasure and Thunderbeat that are available for dissection in laparoscopic surgery.
7	Understand complex information regarding plasma medicine and how it can be applied to surgery, wound healing and sterilisation.
8	Demonstrate knowledge on the tissue approximation suture technique and how to use the appropriate suture material for laparoscopic suturing and knots.
9	Demonstrate an understanding in the history of the development of stapling devices and be familiar with the array of stapling devices that are available.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised.	1-9
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	1-9
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	1-9
Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.	1-9
A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.	1-9
A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.	1-9
A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.	1-9
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.	1-9

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Students will require access to a computer and the internet.

All learning resources will be delivered online with online tutorials consisting of links to text, video and websites delivering relevant content.

Recommended Resources

All learning resources will be delivered online with online tutorials consisting of links to text, video and websites delivering relevant content.

Online Learning

Colloquy will provide the online learning system for students via LEARN http://www.learn.adelaide.edu.au/login/index.php .

Once students have successfully enrolled with the University they can access the LEARN site where they will be attending their classes, viewing assignments, joining discussion forums and linking up with professors and fellow students.

Learning & Teaching Modes

Theory I will be taught via online tutorials with directed learning to text, videos and websites.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

Type	No of Sessions	Duration of Sessions (hrs)	Total Hours
Online Tutorials	10	3	30
Exam	1	1	1
Reading/Study Time	10	6	60
Tutorial Preparation	10	5	50
Exam Preparation		15	10
Written Assignments	7	3	21
TOTAL workload per term			172

Learning Activities Summary

Term 1

Week	Topic	Lecture
1	Introduction and overview of course	This first tutorial is to make introductions between students and teaching staff as well as familiarise students with the online LEARN platform. Students are required to introduce themselves, discuss their reasons for participating in the program and ask any questions.
2	History of minimally invasive surgery	This topic will review the last 20 years of advances in minimally invasive surgery including improvements in instrumentation and visualisation and the complexity of procedures. An understanding of the history of minimally invasive surgery will allow students to place current practice in context and appreciate the innovation displayed by their predecessors.
3	Operating theatre design	This topic will examine how operating theatres are designed and how a surgeon interacts with that design. It will explore how new technology will influence that design.
4	Troubleshooting a laparoscopic tower (Guest lecturer)	Surgeons reply on technology to provide an operative view – this topic will provide students with the tools to troubleshoot problems that may arise when there is a failure of that technology.
5	Laparoscopes and visualization systems (Guest lecturer)	This topic will help outline the workings of laparoscopic vision systems. It will also explain the theory of rod lens systems and the working unit of the Hopkins telescope. Theory behind three-chip vs. single-chip vs. 3-D camera systems will also be discussed to help familiarise students with the use of digital capture devices.
6	Electrosurgery	Electrosurgery has revolutionized minimally invasive surgery from the beginning, and it remains a mainstay of surgical technique today. This topic will help students to understand how electrosurgery works to prevent complications and maximise its efficacy.
7	Energy devices	The use of different technologies to dissect tissues and seal vessels has been one of the innovations that has allowed minimally invasive surgery to thrive. The technologies behind these devices are explained and the potential uses and drawbacks are discussed.
8	Plasma medicine	This topic will cover what plasma is and how it is created. It will explore how plasma works to improve wound healing and sterilize tissues. It will also cover DeQuadmesterine and the applications of plasma in medicine.
9	Tissue approximation	This topic teaches the use of appropriate suture material, suturing techniques and knots.
10	Staplers	This topic will look at the history of staple technology starting in the USSR in 1958 during the Cold War. Students will be able to view a wide variety of staplers, look at the engineering principles of stapling and causes for failure of these devices.

Specific Course Requirements

In order to be eligible for this program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Professional requirements:
•   Students must be an experienced surgeon who has completed, or be within 1 year of completing, the FRACS, FRACOG (or equivalent).
•   Students should have a surgical fellowship or consultant position with a major interest in minimally invasive surgery.

Visa requirements:
•   Permanent residency or citizenship - to be a domestic applicant
•   or hold a Temporary Business (Long Stay) Visa (Subclass 457) – to be an International applicant.
•   Students must be resident in Australia.

Work placement:
Students should have a surgical fellowship or consultant position with a major interest in minimally invasive surgery. This surgical position is not automatically offered with the Master of Minimally Invasive Surgery and students are personally responsible for obtaining a suitable position. Job dates should coincide with the University of Adelaide Quadmester dates.

Small Group Discovery Experience

Surgical Skills Workshop Weekend

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment to be via embedded assessment tools within tutorials and online written case analysis and problem based learning activities. Peer to peer feedback and contribution performance metrics will also be taken into account. Formal assessments will be held via written exams and practical tests in the biannual two day clinical immersion workshops.

Assessment task	Assessment type	Weighting	Learning course outcomes(s) being addressed
Written assignments	Summative	40%	1-9
Discussion/Group contribution and participation	Participation	25%	1-9
Surgical Skills workshop	Summative	35%	1-9

Assessment Related Requirements

All tutorials and workshops are compulsory.

Assessment Detail

Overall assessment details:
•   The Surgical skills workshop will account for 35% of the overall assessment. It will include practical assessment and an open book exam.
•   Written assignments will consist of online written assignments. The assignments are either 1,000-2,000 words. All marks will go towards a total of 40% of the overall assessment.
•   Discussion /group contribution and participation. Contribution to discussion groups and boards and contribution performance metrics will also be taken into account accounting for 25% of the overall assessment.

Individual assessment tasks:
Students are required to submit assignments on the tutorial topics.
•   Describe the major technical innovations in minimally invasive surgery over the past 10 years. (1,000-2,000 word essay worth 5% of overall assessment for this course)
•   Give an overview of what you think the design of operating suites will look like in 2030. (1,000-2,000 word essay worth 5% of overall assessment for this course)
•   Scenario A: A surgeon is about to start a laparoscopic procedure when they discover that the picture is distorted. What steps should they take to regain a perfect picture?
•   Scenario B: A surgeon is 10 minutes into a laparoscopic procedure when the screen goes blank. Describe the steps they should take to regain vision. (A+B in a 1,000-2,000 word essay worth 5% of overall assessment for this course)
•   Describe how 3D visualization works. Do you believe it will be the modality of the future? Argue the pros and cons. (1,000-2,000 word essay worth 5% of overall assessment for this course)
•   Describe the types and aetiology of complications from diathermy devices used in an operating theatre. Explain how these can be minimized. (1,000-2,000 word essay worth 5% of overall assessment for this course)
•   Which is your preferred energy source to use for laparoscopic dissection? Describe how it works and why it suits your operative environment. (1,000-2,000 word essay worth 5% of overall assessment for this course)
•   What is plasma? What are its uses in medicine? (1,000-2,000 word essay worth 5% of overall assessment for this course)
•   What are the essential engineering principles behind a successful stapling instrument?   In the ideal world what are the functional elements you would wish to add or improve for current staplers. (1,000-2,000 word essay worth 5% of overall assessment for this course)

Submission

•   All submissions relating to tutorials will be delivered online via Colloquy’s online system.
•   Examination location and date will be communicated by Program Coordinator and/or Program Administrator.
•   Exam result turnaround time will be a maximum of 14 days.
•   Any queries relating to classroom contribution can be discussed directly with ProgramCoordinator.
•   Students should refer to the University’s Academic Honesty and Assessment Obligations for Coursework Students Policy & Coursework Students: Academic Dishonesty Procedures for information regarding written submissions:
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/230/?dsn=policy.document;field=data;id=239;m=view
•   Students should contact the Program Coordinator if:

o They are unable to complete their tutorial obligations;

o They are unable to attend an examination;

o They are unable to attend the clinical immersion workshop;

o They are unable to meet any deadlines that are set during the course.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Academic:
Professor Peter Hewett
Program Coordinator
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Email: peter.hewett@health.sa.gov.au
Phone: 08 8222 6248

Professor Guy Maddern
Program Director
Head of Discipline, Surgery
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Email: guy.maddern@adelaide.edu.au
Phone: 08 8222 8492 (Departmental Secretary)

Administrative:
Ms Sally Lauder
Program Administrator
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Email: sally.lauder@health.sa.gov.au
Phone: 08 8222 7024
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator