A groundbreaking study from Amsterdam University Medical Center (Amsterdam UMC) has provided compelling evidence that video consultations between surgeons and patients are just as effective as traditional in-person visits when preparing for major abdominal surgery. Published in The Lancet Digital Health, this multicenter, randomized controlled trial demonstrates that virtual consultations do not compromise information transfer, patient satisfaction, or clinical communication quality. These findings could revolutionize preoperative care, making it more accessible, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
The context for this research is especially significant considering the rapid adoption of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospitals worldwide were forced to adapt quickly to maintain healthcare delivery amid lockdowns and social distancing measures. While video consultations surged during these times, hesitance about their long-term applicability persisted among many healthcare providers, often due to concerns about effectiveness or technological barriers for patients. This trial decisively addresses those doubts within the demanding framework of preparing patients for complex surgical interventions.
The study, known as the VIDEOGO trial, enrolled 112 patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery at two leading Dutch hospitals: Amsterdam UMC and Catharina Hospital. Participants were randomized into two groups—one receiving preoperative consultations online via video, and the other undergoing conventional face-to-face visits at surgical outpatient clinics. Researchers employed rigorous assessments to evaluate whether patients absorbed the same amount of information, perceived similar levels of support, and experienced comparable satisfaction regardless of the consultation mode.
Results showed unequivocally that video consultations were non-inferior to physical meetings across all measured parameters. Patients demonstrated equal comprehension of surgical details, confidence in their healthcare provider, and engagement in treatment planning. Surgeons reciprocated this satisfaction, reporting seamless communication and no significant challenges in discussing complex diagnostic imagery or surgical plans through video interfaces. Notably, the use of video communication enabled patients to review information in the comfort of their own homes, often with family members present, which enhanced their understanding and emotional readiness.
In addition to clinical equivalence, the trial highlights several key practical and societal benefits of video consultations. On average, patients saved approximately two hours per appointment, accounting for travel and waiting times, which translates into significant convenience, reduced stress, and increased availability of healthcare professionals. Financially, patients avoided expenses related to transportation and hospital parking, factors often overlooked but impactful especially for those coming from remote or underserved areas.
Beyond convenience and cost, the ecological footprint of virtual consultations is striking. The study quantified CO₂ emissions associated with hospital visits, finding that video consultations generate 99 percent less carbon dioxide—a remarkable reduction considering healthcare’s notable environmental impact. In the Netherlands, the medical sector accounts for roughly seven percent of total national CO₂ emissions; hence, widespread adoption of telemedicine could be a strategic lever in combating climate change while simultaneously maintaining care quality.
Social equity emerges as another pivotal benefit. Patients living far from medical centers or lacking adequate travel assistance frequently face logistical barriers to attendance, sometimes leading to delayed or missed appointments. Video consultations surmount these obstacles, enhancing accessibility for vulnerable populations and enabling more inclusive healthcare delivery. This dimension underscores telemedicine’s role not merely as a technological convenience but as a tool for expanding healthcare equity.
From the surgeon’s perspective, digital consultations do not appear to compromise clinical workflow. Leading surgeon Marc Besselink emphasized that reviewing diagnostic materials such as CT scans was feasible over video, and often more patient-friendly since family members could participate easily online. This dynamic supports informed consent processes and shared decision-making, foundational elements in contemporary surgical care.
Digital health expert Professor Marlies Schijven heralded the study’s findings as a “fantastic expansion of patient contact options,” advocating for active integration of video consultations into routine practice. She envisions a future where patients express their appointment preferences upfront, allowing healthcare providers to tailor encounters accordingly. This patient-centric approach promises to enhance satisfaction, optimize resource use, and shape a more resilient healthcare system capable of adapting to evolving demands.
The methodological rigor of the VIDEOGO trial strengthens the reliability of these conclusions. An open-label, non-inferiority randomized controlled design allows definitive comparison between video and physical consultations without blinding patients or clinicians—an ethically necessary consideration given the nature of the intervention. Outcome measures incorporated both objective data, such as information retention, and subjective feedback from participants, ensuring a holistic evaluation of the consultation experience.
Funding from ZonMw’s Citrine programme towards Regional Oncology Networks further underscores the study’s relevance to oncology, a field characterized by complex, multidisciplinary care pathways where efficient communication is critical. By validating video consultations in the context of major abdominal surgeries, often involving oncological indications, the trial supports broader telehealth applications across surgical subspecialties and chronic disease management.
In conclusion, Amsterdam UMC’s VIDEOGO trial presents robust evidence that video consultations are poised to become a mainstay in preoperative surgical care. The equivalence in clinical outcomes paired with substantial advantages—convenience, cost savings, ecological benefits, and improved accessibility—marks a transformative moment in healthcare delivery. As digital infrastructure expands and familiarity with telemedicine grows, embracing virtual care models represents a crucial step towards sustainable, equitable, and patient-centered healthcare.
This landmark study not only dispels persistent doubts about remote consultations but also charts a clear path for integrating digital health into everyday clinical practice. The era of telemedicine, catalyzed by necessity and now fortified by evidence, holds promise to redefine how patients and surgeons connect, communicate, and collaborate in the pursuit of optimal surgical outcomes.
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Online video versus face-to-face preoperative consultation for major abdominal surgery (VIDEOGO): a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial
News Publication Date: 15-Jun-2025
