For many years, Dr. Bothmann, a leading urologist in Germany, envisioned a future where surgical mentoring could happen remotely, seamlessly connecting experts and trainees across the world. His search for a reliable solution started as early as 2017, long before virtual surgery observation became widely recognized as a viable approach in urology training.
The Search for the Right Technology
Dr. Bothmann specializes in Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP), a minimally invasive procedure for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Given the complexity of the technique, he understood the need for a structured and efficient training method that could scale expertise without the limitations of in-person proctoring.
Over the years, he tested different technologies to facilitate remote collaboration and teaching. However, these early attempts—ranging from streaming endoscopic signals via computers to complex multi-device setups—proved ineffective.
“In 2018, we tried sending the endoscopic signal via my computer, but it was a mess. The sound was there, then the picture came later, and it was pixelated. It was not working out,” he recalled.
Other solutions were prohibitively expensive or required cumbersome infrastructure, making real-time virtual surgery observation impractical.
Then, he discovered Rods&Cones.
Finding the Perfect Fit: Rods&Cones
After years of searching, Dr. Bothmann finally found what he had been looking for: a solution that was simple, effective, and required minimal setup.
“And then you came up. I don’t know if I saw you first or if it was through a MedTech company, but I said, ‘Let’s try.’ And the cool thing is, it works. If you start it, it’s just plug and play. It’s so easy.”
Unlike previous solutions, Rods&Cones provided a seamless experience, requiring only a stable internet connection. Dr. Bothmann highlighted the ease of use:
“You just put it on and go. It’s not complicated.”
Transforming HoLEP Training Through Virtual Surgery Observation
With the right technology now in place, Dr. Bothmann is focused on implementing a structured process for remote training in HoLEP using Rods&Cones. He has used the system in multiple ways to teach and collaborate with other surgeons:
- As the operating surgeon, allowing trainees to observe his surgeries in real time through smart glasses, with the ability to ask questions and receive explanations during the procedure.
- As a remote proctor, sitting at a computer and supervising a junior surgeon performing HoLEP, offering step-by-step guidance without needing to be physically present in the operating room.
“We are setting up a structured approach. There’s a shared calendar, preoperative preparation, and real-time smart glasses streaming. We’ve already tested it with mentees from Mexico, the UK, Poland, and China. The process is evolving, and I’m excited to see it fully implemented soon.”
By combining observation, live guidance, and remote proctoring, Rods&Cones enables more frequent and efficient training sessions, making HoLEP expertise more accessible to urologists worldwide.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Urological Training
Dr. Bothmann envisions a future where virtual surgery observation becomes an essential part of urology training programs worldwide. He believes that legal and IT approvals will eventually become standardized, allowing more hospitals to adopt this technology with ease.
“Right now, legal restrictions in some hospitals make it difficult to implement, but once we have official consent and a clear framework, I believe we’ll see widespread adoption.”
His ultimate goal? A fully integrated, global mentoring network where urologists can connect instantly, anytime and anywhere, to advance the field and improve patient care.
Conclusion
Dr. Bothmann’s story highlights how vision, persistence, and the right technology can transform surgical training. His journey from frustration with ineffective solutions to actively developing a structured remote mentoring program for HoLEP showcases the power of innovation in urology.
At Rods&Cones, we are proud to support pioneers like Dr. Bothmann in making virtual surgery observation a reality. As more urologists embrace this technology, we look forward to a future where expertise is always within reach—no matter where in the world it’s needed.
Interested in learning more about how virtual surgery observation is transforming urology training?
Contact us to discover how Rods&Cones can support your practice.
