Montreal hospital livestreams surgeries for educational purposes

A Montreal hospital has begun livestreaming complex eye surgeries for educational purposes, offering medical professionals around the world a rare opportunity to observe intricate procedures in real time. The Angus Centre for outpatient ophthalmic surgery at the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital conducted a series of retinal surgeries on Tuesday, broadcasting them live to an observation room in downtown Montreal. The event marked a significant step toward establishing the hospital as an international leader in advanced ophthalmic care. The surgeries, performed by Dr. Flavio Rezende, were made available to attendees of the annual American Society of Retina Specialists congress, which commenced earlier in the week. Doctors from across the globe gathered in Montreal for the conference, and many used the livestream to study the procedures. Rezende selected cases of varying complexity to showcase a range of surgical techniques. This approach aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of modern ophthalmic practice. Dr. Fares Antaki, a vitreoretinal surgeon set to join the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal in September, praised the initiative. He noted that observing live surgeries helped him grasp the decision-making processes of surgeons. “You can try to apply some of the things you learned during the session,” Antaki said. He also highlighted the value of real-time interaction, allowing participants to ask questions and engage in post-procedure discussions with the surgeon. Organizing the livestream required considerable effort, including the installation of specialized cameras and ensuring a stable, high-speed internet connection to avoid delays. The process took approximately four years to complete, reflecting the hospital's commitment to advancing medical education through innovative methods. Retinal surgery, known for its precision and complexity, typically involves microscopic procedures that demand exceptional skill. At the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, retinal surgeries are performed using a small tube fitted with a camera, enabling greater visibility within the eye. Dr. Rezende explained that this technology is essential for patients with damaged corneas, which can obscure the view of the retina. Without such tools, certain procedures would be impossible to carry out safely and effectively. Dr. Cynthia Qian, a fellow retinal surgeon and colleague of Rezende, emphasized that traditional conference presentations often lack the depth of real-world scenarios. She noted that lengthy procedures are frequently condensed into brief summaries, failing to capture the nuances of actual surgical practice. By showcasing live surgeries, the hospital aims to bridge this gap, providing a more authentic learning experience. Dr. Bruna Gil Ferreira, a retinal surgeon trained at Université de Montréal and currently based in Brazil, echoed this sentiment. She argued that conventional courses often focus on standard cases, leaving practitioners unprepared for the unpredictable challenges of clinical settings. Observing live surgeries allowed students to witness the complexities of real-life medicine, enhancing their preparedness for professional practice. Qian also pointed out the logistical benefits of livestreaming. With limited space in operating rooms, the ability to broadcast procedures in a separate area enabled a broader audience to participate. This method not only expanded access to valuable educational content but also supported the hospital’s mission of fostering global collaboration in ophthalmology. In addition to improving medical education, Rezende expressed concerns about the proliferation of low-quality surgical videos on social media platforms. These videos, often lacking proper oversight, can mislead both professionals and the public. By creating high-quality, detailed content, the hospital aims to establish a trusted resource for accurate and informative surgical demonstrations. Rezende hopes that regular livestream sessions will further elevate the Montreal hospital’s standing on the international stage. As the hospital continues to refine its approach, it stands poised to influence the future of ophthalmic training and patient care through cutting-edge technological integration.