Teleophthalmology: the use of real-time telementoring to remove an orbital tumor.

Abstract

To determine whether current telemedicine technology can support real-time surgical telementoring to remove an orbital tumor. Interventional case report An orbital specialist guided a general ophthalmologist in the removal of a lateral orbital tumor from a site 210 miles away on another island. A 3-mm endoscope connected to a three-chip digital video camera attached to a Concorde 4500 Picture-Tel videoconferencing system was used to transmit images at a rate of 384 kb per second over integrated service digital network lines. Successful performance and outcome of the telementored procedure comparable to hands-on orbital surgery. The surgical procedure was successfully telementored with uncomplicated removal of the orbital tumor. Current telemedicine technology can support real-time telementoring to remove an orbital tumor.