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NephrolithotomyPCNLNCT03272529

Simulated Rehearsal for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

An observational study of Nephrolithotomy, run by University of Rochester at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Surgical simulation provides opportunities for surgeons to practice specific skills, prior to performing complex tasks on patients, with the goal of reducing potential errors and providing a safer procedure for the patient. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Nephrolithotomy
What is being tested?
Patient-specific simulated rehearsals, Idealized simulated rehearsals and Standard simulation
How many people
36 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
10 Apr 2018to 31 Jan 2023
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: Study population is comprised of 100 PCNL patients, 2 faculty expert urologists, and 12 urology trainees selected from years PGY3 and above.

Who may be able to join

  • All patients scheduled to undergo PCNL surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center
  • Ability to give informed consent
  • Willing to participate in the study
  • Any racial or ethnic origin

Who cannot join

  • Inability to give informed consent

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • University of Rochester Medical Center

    Rochester, New York, 14642

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Comparative Effectiveness of Patient-Specific Simulated Rehearsal for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

Surgical simulation provides opportunities for surgeons to practice specific skills, prior to performing complex tasks on patients, with the goal of reducing potential errors and providing a safer procedure for the patient. The investigators will use a novel approach to simulation (patient-specific rehearsals) i.e., practice a short time prior to the live event that uses gel models of organs created by a 3D printer, and that are specific to each patient versus models that represent an ideal training model. The investigators' overarching goals are to improve patient outcomes by developing the best platform for surgeons to efficiently enhance performance prior to live surgery.

Read the detailed description

Surgical simulation provides opportunities for both medical residents and expert surgeons to practice specific skills, prior to performing complex tasks on patients, with the goal of reducing potential errors and providing a safer procedure for the patient. Most studies have addressed surgical simulation carried out in dry and animation laboratories at a significantly different time than the actual surgery on patients. For most surgeons-in-training, there is no intermediate stage between practice and performance. Learning takes place in isolation, and surgeons do not routinely experience how dexterity skills are affected by context until they perform an actual operation. The investigators will use a unique approach to simulation (just-in-time simulation i.e., practicing in close proximity to live surgery). The investigators believe that this approach will be most beneficial for highly technical procedures such as Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), because this approach could familiarize the surgeon with the case, enable them to try different approaches, identify potential dangers, and even optimize the selection of tools for the procedure. This type of simulation is usually performed using idealized or generic models that can improve a surgeon's technical, cognitive, and hand - eye coordination performance, of this specific procedure prior to the live surgery but is not personalized for an individual patient.

The investigators' efforts at the Simulation Innovation Laboratory (SIL) at the University of Rochester in combining 3D printing technology with polymer research has provided a platform for reproducing patient specific water-based gel models with accurate portrayal of anatomical characteristics including individual patient variations, but also with the capacity to reproduce tissue characteristics and replicate the comprehensive operative experience. Patient specific simulations, however, allow surgeons to practice, plan and address potential problems related to a specific patient's surgery before performing the actual surgery. The investigators developed three-dimensional (3D) models, which reproduce patient-specific anatomy and tissue characteristics, allowing for a rehearsal that is an accurate representation of an actual procedure to be done, in this case Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for the treatment of complex renal stones.

In the present era of simulation, no standard form of simulation exists that is performed directly prior to the live surgery, nor is there any form of personalized simulation for each patient. In this study the investigators aim to compare just-in-time simulation using either patient-specific or idealized training models and compare their impact on operative performance following Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Secondary objectives are to assess their impact on patient outcomes following PCNL. The investigators overarching goals are to improve patient outcomes by developing the best platform for surgeons to efficiently enhance their performance prior to live surgery.

Conditions
Nephrolithotomy
Being tested
Patient-specific simulated rehearsals, Idealized simulated rehearsals, Standard simulation

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Patient-specific simulated rehearsalsOther

    Using 3-D printing and polymer technology, the investigators' team will construct patient-specific simulated hydrogel models designed from patients' imaging, incorporating the necessary anatomy, physiology, and pathology specific to each patient. These models will be constructed at the Simulation Innovation laboratory within the Department of Urology, University of Rochester. The process involves importing DICOM files of patient participants C.T. scans into 3D processing software, creating virtual models of kidney parenchyma incorporating the kidney, urinary system, stone and abdominal wall. Surgical phantoms are then created using 3D printing and polymer hydrogels, to recreate the entire procedure.

  • Idealized simulated rehearsalsOther

    Using 3D printing and polymer technology, the investigators' team will construct a validated generic simulated hydrogel model with a complex kidney stone, incorporating the necessary anatomy, physiology and pathology. These models will be constructed at the Simulation Innovation laboratory within the department of urology at the University of Rochester. Generic models incorporating the kidney, PCS, staghorn stone, abdominal wall, and other relevant anatomical elements (bowel, perinephric fat, solid organs and bony structures) will be constructed. Participants in his group will complete the simulation replicating all steps of the procedure of this ideal training case that is not specific to a particular patient.

  • Standard simulationOther

    Participants recruited to this cohort will only have completed the standard prerequisite simulation training similar to the two other groups (didactic lecture, hands-on simulation training to proficiency and live case observation), that represents the current standard of care. No further simulation would be conducted in participants of this group in addition to the standard.

Study groups in NCT03272529
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Patient-specific simulated rehearsalsParticipants recruited to this cohort will complete just-in-time simulation, i.e., practice a short time prior to the live event using hydrogel models designed from patients' imaging, incorporating the necessary anatomy, physiology, and pathology specific to each patient. This is in addition to standard prerequisite simulation training.
Receives: Other: Patient-specific simulated rehearsals
Idealized simulated rehearsalsParticipants recruited to this cohort will complete just-in-time simulation, i.e., practice a short time prior to the live event using hydrogel models that incorporate the necessary anatomy, physiology, and pathology of an ideal training case. This is in addition to standard prerequisite simulation training.
Receives: Other: Idealized simulated rehearsals
Standard simulationParticipants recruited to this cohort will only have completed the standard prerequisite simulation training similar to the two other groups (didactic lecture, hands-on simulation training to proficiency and live case observation), that represents the current standard of care. No further simulation would be conducted in this group in addition to the standard.
Receives: Other: Standard simulation

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Fluoroscopy time measured during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

    Fluoroscopy time is reported on completion of PCNL, the metric will be measured in minutes as a continuous variable.

    Measured: At the end of each surgical procedure, approximately 24 hours after surgery

  2. Percutaneous access (PCA) attempts

    PCA attempts is reported on completion of the PCNL, the metric will be measured in number of attempts as a continuous variable.

    Measured: At the end of each surgical procedure, approximately 24 hours after surgery

  3. Surgical complications

    Intraoperative and postoperative complications will be measured and reported using the modified Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications (Grade 1 to 5).

    Measured: From date of surgery up to 30 days postoperative, every complication encountered during that time will be recorded

  4. Objective evaluation of surgical performance (Virtual percutaneous nephrostolithotomy GRS)

    All surgical cases will be recorded and reviewed by expert surgeons using a tool that specializes in evaluation of PCNL surgical performance, the Virtual percutaneous nephrostolithotomy GRS (a validated assessment of percutaneous Nephrolithotomy using a 5-point Likert-type scale, of 5 domains including knowledge of renal anatomy, trajectory planning, instrument use, need for instructor assistance and overall task performance), these will be measured as a continuous variable.

    Measured: At the end of each surgical procedure, approximately 24 hours after surgery

  5. Surgeon take-over

    Surgeon take-over is reported on completion of the PCNL; the metric will be measured as a nominal variable (yes or no) when the surgeon in the operating room takes over the case.

    Measured: At the end of each surgical procedure, approximately 24 hours after surgery

  6. Change in the volume of stone before and after PCNL surgery (Stone clearance)

    The difference between preoperative (within a month prior to surgery) and postoperative (1-30 days after surgery) in millimeters using imaging techniques (KUB, Ultrasound and CT-IVP).

    Measured: Zero at date of randomization and serial measurements at 1 and up to 30 days after surgery

Secondary outcomes (6)
  1. Change in the volume of ratio of red blood cells to total blood volume (HCT)

    The difference between preoperative (within a week prior to surgery) and postoperative (12 and 24 hours after surgery) using the blood test HCT.

    Measured: Zero at date of randomization and serial measurements at 12 and 24 hours after surgery

  2. Hospital stay

    The length of hospital stay will be measured from time of admission to day of discharge and will be reported in days

    Measured: From date of admission up to 30 days after surgery

  3. Hospital readmission

    The readmission rates of patients enrolled in the study will be measured and reported in number of patients

    Measured: From date of surgery up to 30 days postoperative, every hospital readmission encountered during that time will be recorded

  4. Blood transfusion

    The presence or absence (+/-) and how many units will be measured (blood units)

    Measured: From date of randomization up to 30 days after surgery every unit of blood transfused during that time will be recorded

  5. Change in postoperative renal functions

    The difference between preoperative (within a week prior to surgery) and postoperative (12 hours, 1 day and 30 days after surgery) using estimated GFR measured through serum creatinine blood test.

    Measured: Zero at date of randomization and serial measurements at 12 hours , 1 day and 30 days after surgery

  6. Additional stone procedures

    The presence or absence (+/-) and how many additonal procedures to achieve complete stone clearance after the procedure will be measured

    Measured: From date of surgery up to 30 days postoperative, every additional procedure performed during that time will be recorded

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted5 Sep 2017
  2. Study start10 Apr 2018
  3. Primary completion31 Jan 2023
  4. Study completion31 Jan 2023

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
36 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03272529
Sponsor's protocol ID
68871
Acronym
PCNL
Status last verified
Feb 2023
First submitted
22 Aug 2017
Last updated
10 Feb 2023
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Nephrolithotomy, run by University of Rochester at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Feb 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Fluoroscopy time measured during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) (time frame: At the end of each surgical procedure, approximately 24 hours after surgery). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Feb 2023.

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