脳神経外科手術中におけるタブレット端末の有用性

Usefulness of Tablet-Type Device Usage during Neurosurgical Practice

Ⅰ．はじめに

　近年，スマートフォンやタブレットなどのinformation and communication technology（ICT）端末の普及が目覚ましい．その理由の1つとして，いかなる環境においても必要な情報を迅速に引き出せる点が挙げられる．その有用性は医療現場においても同様で，医療スタッフ間や患者との情報共有のツールとしても注目されている^4,11,18)．

　今回，われわれはICT機器の利便性に着目して，脳神経外科手術中に滅菌操作が可能なタブレット端末を活用して，その有用性を検証したので報告する．

　This study aimed to validate the usefulness of intraoperative use of a tablet-type device in neurosurgical field. This study included 80 patients who underwent direct surgery for complex brain and spinal disorders in our hospital between April 2013 and March 2015. The operated disorders included cerebral aneurysm, intracranial and spinal dural arteriovenous fistula, meningioma, and vestibular schwannoma. By using the OsiriX HD software, the DICOM data were directly transferred to a tablet-type device（Apple iPad). Alternatively, by using the OsiriX HD or Amira software, the DICOM data were loaded to create interactive three-dimensional computer graphics on a personal computer and then transferred to a tablet-type device. The device was covered with sterile, translucent packaging bag. As a result, the surgeons could use the touch screen to browse and access radiological data of the patient undergoing surgery, without needing to leave the operation field or requiring external assistance for image browsing. The incidence of postoperative infection did not increase. In conclusion, intraoperative usage of the tablet-type device was easy and useful for surgeons performing surgeries for complex brain and spinal disorders.