ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Camera assistance is important for proper visualization of the operative field in laparoscopic surgery. Navigation grid (NG) has been designed to help the camera assistants focus the camera on the target operative field. This is a randomized, controlled trial to study the effect of the NG on performance of camera assistants. DESIGN: Minimally invasive operations were randomized (1:1) to either with or without use of NG for the camera assistant. The operations were recorded and the time spent inside and outside of the target area were reported. SETTING: A tertiary care teaching hospital. RESULTS: Fifty-eight operations (30 with and 28 without NG) were recorded. Sixteen camera assistants participated. Time spent outside the target area was significantly less with the use of NG (64.5 ± 63 seconds vs 396 ± 226.5 seconds; p < 0.0001). This impact of NG on performance of the camera assistants was significant regardless of their level of training. CONCLUSIONS: NG improved performance of the camera assistant during laparoscopic abdominal procedures. This is a feasible tool that can help camera holders better assist the operating surgeons.
