Live interactive broadcast of laparoscopic surgery via the Internet

Background: For the first time in the history of communications, we conducted live interactive broadcasts through the Internet (on August 29, and September 3, 1996). Methods: Successful transmissions were performed from Pontiac, Michigan, to Laguna Kills, California, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, and participants actively interacted in audio and video formats in real time. Results: Video images were transmitted at a rate of 1-2 frame/s and displayed in a 320 x 240 window at the remote sites. The loss of audio packets averaged 17% with a delay of 0.5-2 s. The broadcasting computer station was also able to receive real-time video and sound from the distant computers, allowing complete interaction between both parties over the duration of each transmission session. Average broadcast time was 1.5 h +/- 30 min, and the cost of each transmission was equal to that of a regular local phone call. Conclusions: Videoconferencing via the Internet is a viable method for transmitting information in real time allowing surgeons worldwide to work together during surgical procedures.