Rafal Solecki, MD, PhD1, Artur Pasternak1, Jan Krzak, MD2, Miroslaw Szura, MD, PhD1, Maciej Matyja, MD1. 1Jagiellonian University Medical College, 2Hospital of Southern Jutland, Aabenraa, Denmark
The quality of endoscopic examination depends on the quality of endoscopic equipment, experience of the endoscopist and preparation of the patient. Contemporarily electronic endoscopes make feasible to transfer image directly to external device which is subsequently linked to computer network and can be transferred further. Dynamic image viewed in real time is more accurately interpreted by a physician than a static one. The possibility of simultaneous voice contact makes teleconsultation sterling.
The aim of this study was to present our own experience regarding endoscopic teleconsultations.
Materials and methods. Analysis enrolled examinations performed in endoscopic centers located in Lesser Poland district and in Denmark. Consultations took place in real time, consulting physicians had more than 10 years of experience in endoscopic procedures and over 10000 colonoscopies and therapeutic procedures performed. There were 84 teleconsultations via standard internet connection 10MB/s. Endoscopic Centers were equipped with Olympus 180 and 190 series linked to video card.
Each card had its own IP address, and the image was accessible through Internet login from anywhere. Consulting physicians used computers connected to Internet for tracing the image synchronously and giving advice.
Results. Teleconsultations were undertaken in 0.67% of all endoscopic procedures. Teleconsultations concerned difficulties in endoscopic image interpretation in 17 cases and decisions regarding further treatment in 67 cases. The consulting physician solved all problems concerning proper endoscopic image interpretation. In 57 cases the elective procedure was rejected. The elective treatment was continued in remaining cases. 3 patients had a complication of polypectomy that was endoscopically treated.
Conclusions. The opinion of independent consulting physician in difficult clinical cases regarding endoscopic procedures helps to understand the endoscopic image in real time and implicates a decrease in complications after endoscopic procedures.
Presented at the SAGES 2017 Annual Meeting in Houston, TX.
Abstract ID: 87825
Program Number: P380
Presentation Session: iPoster Session (Non CME)
Presentation Type: Poster