Internet and intranet: a new theatre for surgical practice

Despite the technological breakthrough and commercial success of the Internet over the past decade, the web presence of surgery has been marginal and disorganised. Minimal utilisation of Internet applications is apparent in the average surgical practice, although the tools to make substantial improvements in gaining and providing information are readily available and often free of charge. With the widespread availability of broadband residential Internet access, streaming video technology providing high-quality full-screen video streams offers valuable educational potentials. Telemedicine and teleconferencing over the Internet are low-cost alternatives to other means of postgraduate training. In addition, an array of devices, utilising net technologies are presented, and with judicious use of these our efficacy and patient-care may be improved.