@Article{,
AUTHOR = {Robert J. Hamilton, Antonio Finelli},
TITLE = {The impact of introducing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy on surgical wait times for prostate cancer},
JOURNAL = {Canadian Journal of Urology},
VOLUME = {13},
YEAR = {2006},
NUMBER = {Suppl.3},
PAGES = {25--29},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/CJU/v13nSuppl.3/63329},
ISSN = {1488-5581},
ABSTRACT = {Wait times for radical prostatectomy are increasing in
Canada. However, the impact of adopting a new surgical
technique, such as laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
(LRP), is not known. We outline the determinants of
surgical wait time, the potential impact of adopting LRP
and ways to minimize the impact. Surgical wait time is
determined by surgical demand (number of people
wanting surgery) relative to supply (number of surgeries
a centre is able to offer). The introduction of any new
technique will at first prolong operative times, but the
degree to which it does is dependent on the learning curve
of the surgeon and perioperative team. The influence of
this learning curve on wait times depends on surgeon-level factors including case selection, triaging and
scheduling tendencies, as well as hospital-level factors
such as the amount and flexibility of operating room and
hospital resources. The impact of adopting new technology
may be minimized by the following: one surgeon per group
initially learns the new procedure; the group and learning
surgeon continue to offer the conventional procedure; early
procedural experiences with the new technique are made
as homogenous as possible; and a constant, dedicated team
is created. Thus, the potential benefits of new techniques
like LRP may be realized when adopted in a way that
minimizes a negative impact on surgical wait times.},
DOI = {}
}