Use Of Robotic Techniques Research Articles

Simultaneous Robot-assisted Lipoabdominoplasty and Cholecystectomy

Summary: In the current era of advanced technologies, robotic surgery is rapidly evolving. New articles are emerging on the use of robots in general surgery, urology, and oncology, with single cases in maxillofacial surgery. In this article, we describe the successful use of robotic techniques for simultaneously performing suturing repair of the diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles, aesthetic correction of the anterior abdominal wall with lipoabdominoplasty, and cholecystectomy. That, according to our knowledge, has not ever been done before.

National trends and outcomes of robotic emergency general surgery in the United States

BackgroundRobot-assisted surgery has seen exponential adoption over the last decade. Although the safety and efficacy of robotic surgery in the elective setting have been demonstrated, data regarding robotic emergency general surgery remains sparse. MethodsAll adults undergoing non-elective appendectomy, cholecystectomy, small or large bowel resection, perforated ulcer repair, or lysis of adhesions were identified in the 2008 to 2020 National Inpatient Sample. Temporal trends were analyzed using a rank-based, non-parametric test developed by Cuzick (nptrend). Using laparoscopy as a reference, multivariable regressions were used to evaluate the association between robotic techniques and in-hospital mortality, major complications, and resource use for each emergency general surgery operation. ResultsOf an estimated 4,040,555 patients undergoing emergency general surgery, 65,853 (1.6%) were performed using robotic techniques. The robotic proportion of minimally invasive emergency general surgery increased significantly overall, with the largest growth seen in robot-assisted large bowel resections and perforated ulcer repairs. After adjustment for various patient and hospital-level factors, robot-assisted large bowel resection (adjusted odds ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.58–0.91) and cholecystectomy (adjusted odds ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.55–0.81) were associated with significantly reduced odds of perioperative blood transfusion compared to traditional laparoscopy. Although robotic techniques were associated with modest reductions in postoperative length of stay, costs were uniformly higher by increments of up to $4,900. ConclusionRobotic surgery appears to be a safe and effective adjunct to laparoscopy in minimally invasive emergency general surgery, although comparable cost-effectiveness has yet to be realized. Increasing use of robotic techniques in emergency general surgery may be attributable in part to reduced complications, including blood loss, in certain operative contexts.

Comparison of MCNP and Microshield Dose Savings Determinations for Remote Methods of Transuranic Contamination Characterization.

The maturation of robotic and remote systems presents opportunities to expand the use of technologies that have typically been restricted to high-dose/high-risk nuclear work for moderate- or low-risk work to further reduce radiation exposure to workers. This study quantifies the potential dose savings achieved through the use of robotic techniques for characterizing transuranic-contaminated waste items and compares dose estimates from a simplistic, user-friendly deterministic radiation transport code and a more robust, complex Monte Carlo code. Three scenarios of transuranic-contaminated waste items described in published reports are modeled using representative source geometries in MicroShield and MCNP radiation transport codes. Estimated dose rates are determined at points ranging from 30 cm to 300 cm from the face of the waste item to represent the increase in distance allowed by robotic or remote system implementation for characterization activities. The dose rate savings are then converted to detriment cost savings using a dollar-per-person-dose conversion factor to provide a financial context. The radiation transport simulations show no consistent bias in estimated dose rate by varying simulation methodology or using geometrical simplifications-in some cases, MicroShield produces higher dose rate estimates while MCNP estimates are higher in other cases. In the MCNP simulations, the volume source geometry consistently produces a higher dose rate than the slab source geometry, but the MicroShield dose rate estimates do not display the same trend. Dose savings range from 1.60 × 10-5 μSv h-1 to 1.75 × 101 μSv h-1 with associated detriment cost savings from < 0.010 USD/person-h to 14 USD/person-h.

The distribution of robotic surgery in general and visceral surgery departments in Switzerland- a nationwide inquiry.

Since its introduction as a clinical technique, robotic surgery has been extended to different fields of surgery. However, the indications as well as the number of robotic procedures varied in different institutions. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the current use of robotic surgery in general and digestive surgery in Switzerland. All Swiss surgical departments that are recognized training institutes for postgraduate training in surgery by the Swiss Institute of Medical Education (SIWF) were queried with a detailed questionnaire regarding the use of robotic surgery techniques and were analyzed regarding hospital size and type of hospital. Ninety-three departments were queried, and 67 % (n=63) answered the survey. Fifty-eight were public, and five were private institutions. Seventeen (26 %) of the queried departments used robotic surgery in digestive surgery. Four out of 17 (23 %) of the departments that performed robotic surgery were private hospitals, while 13 (77 %) were public institutions. In the majority of departments, robotic surgery of the rectum (n=12; 70.6 %) and colon (n=11; 64.7 %) was performed, followed by hernia procedures (n=8; 47.1 %) and fundoplication (n=7; 41.2 %). Less frequently, pancreatic resections (n=5; 29.4 %), cholecystectomy (n=4; 23.5 %), adrenalectomy (n=4; 23.5 %), gastric bypass (n=3; 17.7 %), gastric sleeve (n=3; 17.7 %), hepatic procedures (n=2; 11.7 %), or small bowel resections (n=1; 5.9 %) were performed as robotic procedures. More than 25 procedures per year per department were performed for hernia surgery (n=5 departments), gastric bypass (n=2 departments), cholecystectomy, fundoplication, and colon surgery (each n=1 department). The number and range of robotic procedures performed in Switzerland varied widely. Higher accreditation for general surgery or subspecialization of visceral surgery of the department was positively associated with the use of robotic techniques, reflecting an unequal availability of robotic surgery.

Robotic pancreas surgery for pancreatic cancer.

Since the introduction of robotic pancreas surgery in the early 2000s, there has been significant increase in the adoption of the robot to perform complex pancreatic resections. However, utilization of the robot for pancreatic cancer has lagged behind due to concern for inferior oncologic outcomes. Furthermore, research in this field has previously been limited to small, single institution observational studies. Recent and ongoing randomized control trials in robotic distal pancreatectomy and robotic pancreatoduodenectomy have aimed to address concerns regarding the use of robotic techniques in pancreatic cancer. Together, these studies suggest similar, if not improved, outcomes with a robotic approach, including shorter hospital stays, expedited recovery with less post-operative complications, and equivalent resection rates, when compared to the standard open approaches. Additionally, surgical training in robotic pancreas surgery is of equal importance for patient safety. This review summarizes the available literature on the efficacy and safety of robotic pancreas surgery for pancreatic cancer, with specific focus on robotic distal pancreatectomy and robotic pancreatoduodenectomy.

The impact of the use of robotic techniques in the treatment of urolithiasis in children on the reduction of the use of ionising radiation - preliminary report

The impact of the use of robotic techniques in the treatment of urolithiasis in children on the reduction of the use of ionising radiation - preliminary report

A Retrospective Analysis of Pedicle Screw Placement Accuracy Using the ExcelsiusGPS Robotic Guidance System: Case Series.

Robotic guidance has become widespread in spine surgery. Although the intent is improved screw placement, further system-specific data are required to substantiate this intention for pedicle screws in spinal stabilization constructs. To determine the accuracy of pedicle screws placed with the aid of a robot in a cohort of patients immediately after the adoption of the robot-assisted surgery technique. A retrospective, Institutional Review Board-approved study was performed on the first 100 patients at a single facility, who had undergone spinal surgeries with the use of robotic techniques. Pedicle screw accuracy was graded using the Gertzbein-Robbins Scale based on pedicle wall breach, with grade A representing 0 mm breach and successive grades increasing breach thresholds by 2 mm increments. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans were also used to assess offsets between the objective plan and true screw placements. A total of 326 screws were analyzed among 72 patients with sufficient imaging data. Ages ranged from 21 to 84 years. The total accuracy rate based on the Gertzbein-Robbins Scale was 97.5%, and the rate for each grade is as follows: A, 82%; B, 15.5%; C, 1.5%; D, 1%; and E, 0. The average tip offset was 1.9 mm, the average tail offset was 2.0 mm, and the average angular offset was 2.6°. Robotic-assisted surgery allowed for accurate implantation of pedicle screws on immediate adoption of this technique. There were no complications attributable to the robotic technique, and no hardware revisions were required.

Robotic versus laparoscopic surgery for middle and low rectal cancer (REAL): short-term outcomes of a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Robotic surgery for rectal cancer is gaining popularity, but evidence on long-term oncological outcomes is scarce. We aimed to compare surgical quality and long-term oncological outcomes of robotic and conventional laparoscopic surgery in patients with middle and low rectal cancer. Here we report the short-term outcomes of this trial. This multicentre, randomised, controlled, superiority trial was done at 11 hospitals in eight provinces of China. Eligible patients were aged 18-80 years with middle (>5 to 10 cm from the anal verge) or low (≤5 cm from the anal verge) rectal adenocarcinoma, cT1-T3 N0-N1 or ycT1-T3 Nx, and no evidence of distant metastasis. Central randomisation was done by use of an online system and was stratified according to participating centre, sex, BMI, tumour location, and preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Patients were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive robotic or conventional laparoscopic surgery. All surgical procedures complied with the principles of total mesorectal excision or partial mesorectal excision (for tumours located higher in the rectum). Lymph nodes at the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery were dissected. In the robotic group, the excision procedures and dissection of lymph nodes were done by use of robotic techniques. Neither investigators nor patients were masked to the treatment allocation but the assessment of pathological outcomes was masked to the treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was 3-year locoregional recurrence rate, but the data for this endpoint are not yet mature. Secondary short-term endpoints are reported in this article, including two key secondary endpoints: circumferential resection margin positivity and 30-day postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification grade II or higher). The outcomes were analysed according in a modified intention-to-treat population (according to the original assigned groups and excluding patients who did not undergo surgery or no longer met inclusion criteria after randomisation). This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02817126. Study recruitment has completed, and the follow-up is ongoing. Between July 17, 2016, and Dec 21, 2020, 1742 patients were assessed for eligibility. 502 patients were excluded, and 1240 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either robotic surgery (620 patients) or laparoscopic surgery (620 patients). 69 patients were excluded (34 in the robotic surgery group and 35 in the laparoscopic surgery group). 1171 patients were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis (586 in the robotic group and 585 in the laparoscopic group). Six patients in the robotic surgery group received laparoscopic surgery and seven patients in the laparoscopic surgery group received robotic surgery. 22 (4·0%) of 547 patients in the robotic group had a positive circumferential resection margin as did 39 (7·2%) of 543 patients in the laparoscopic group (difference -3·2 percentage points [95% CI -6·0 to -0·4]; p=0·023). 95 (16·2%) of patients in the robotic group had at least one postoperative complication (Clavien-Dindo grade II or higher) within 30 days after surgery, as did 135 (23·1%) of 585 patients in the laparoscopic group (difference -6·9 percentage points [-11·4 to -2·3]; p=0·003). More patients in the robotic group had a macroscopic complete resection than in the laparoscopic group (559 [95·4%] of 586 patients vs 537 [91·8%] of 585 patients, difference 3·6 percentage points [0·8 to 6·5]). Patients in the robotic group had better postoperative gastrointestinal recovery, shorter postoperative hospital stay (median 7·0 days [IQR 7·0 to 11·0] vs 8·0 days [7·0 to 12·0], difference -1·0 [95% CI -1·0 to 0·0]; p=0·0001), fewer abdominoperineal resections (99 [16·9%] of 586 patients vs 133 [22·7%] of 585 patients, difference -5·8 percentage points [-10·4 to -1·3]), fewer conversions to open surgery (10 [1·7%] of 586 patients vs 23 [3·9%] of 585 patients, difference -2·2 percentage points [-4·3 to -0·4]; p=0·021), less estimated blood loss (median 40·0 mL [IQR 30·0 to 100·0] vs 50·0 mL [40·0 to 100·0], difference -10·0 [-20·0 to -10·0]; p<0·0001), and fewer intraoperative complications (32 [5·5%] of 586 patients vs 51 [8·7%] of 585 patients; difference -3·3 percentage points [-6·3 to -0·3]; p=0·030) than patients in the laparoscopic group. Secondary short-term outcomes suggest that for middle and low rectal cancer, robotic surgery resulted in better oncological quality of resection than conventional laparoscopic surgery, with less surgical trauma, and better postoperative recovery. Shenkang Hospital Development Center, Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (Shanghai, China), and Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University (Shanghai, China).

Less Invasive Pediatric Spinal Deformity Surgery: The Case for Robotic-Assisted Placement of Pedicle Screws.

Introduction: Pediatric spinal deformity involves a complex 3-dimensional (3D) deformity that increases the risk of pedicle screw placement due to the close proximity of neurovascular structures. To increase screw accuracy, improve patient safety, and minimize surgical complications, the placement of pedicle screws is evolving from freehand techniques to computer-assisted navigation and to the introduction of robotic-assisted placement. Purpose: The aim of this review was to review the current literature on the use of robotic navigation in pediatric spinal deformity surgery to provide both an error analysis of these techniques and to provide recommendations to ensure its safe application. Methods: A narrative review was conducted in April 2021 using the MEDLINE (PubMed) database. Studies were included if they were peer-reviewed retrospective or prospective studies, included pediatric patients, included a primary diagnosis of pediatric spine deformity, utilized robotic-assisted spinal surgery techniques, and reported thoracic or lumbar pedicle screw breach rates or pedicle screw malpositioning. Results: In the few studies published on the use of robotic techniques in pediatric spinal deformity surgery, several found associations between the technology and increased rates of screw placement accuracy, reduced rates of breach, and minimal complications. All were retrospective studies. Conclusions: Current literature is of a low level of evidence; nonetheless, the findings suggest the accuracy and safety of robotic-assisted spinal surgery in pediatric pedicle screw placement. The introduction of robotics may drive further advances in less invasive pediatric spinal deformity surgery. Further study is warranted.

The use of single incision laparoscopic surgery techniques and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery – a nationwide survey

Abstract Objective Since the first report of transgastric peritoneoscopic surgery in 2004, minimal invasive surgery (MIS) including conventional laparoscopy, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), and robotic surgery have gained traction in general and visceral surgery. While laparoscopic surgery is now the gold standard in many institutions, other MIS approaches lag behind in spite of the enthusiasm of few promoters. The present study investigates the current role of NOTES and SILS in Switzerland. Methods All Swiss surgical departments where queried. Heads of department were asked to complete a detailed questionnaire regarding the use of NOTES and SILS techniques, reminders were sent twice. Results Of 93 departments queried, 63 (68%) answered the survey and most were public hospitals (92%). One third of general surgery departments and 46% of visceral surgery departments had the highest accreditation level A and V1, respectively. While up to 27% of the responding hospitals had performed NOTES in the past, only about 9% still use the technique today. Since January 2019, only two departments performed NOTES cholecystectomy, one department NOTES colectomy and three departments NOTES total mesorectal excision. The main reasons for not performing NOTES anymore were lack of perceived benefits, higher costs, increased morbidity in routine procedures, no patient demand, and the lack of surgical expertise. A similar picture was found regarding the use of SILS, with 37% of hospitals having past experience with SILS and only 13% still performing SILS procedures. Yet, significantly more institutions performed a broader range of SILS procedures today: SILS appendectomy (n = 2), SILS cholecystectomy (n = 4), SILS thyroidectomy (n = 1), SILS small bowel resection (n = 2), SILS colonic resection (n = 5), and SILS rectal resection (n = 2). The main reasons for not performing routinely SILS were similar to the rationale against NOTES. Conclusion Due to technical limitations and lack of perceptible benefits, NOTES and SILS are less frequently performed nowadays than they were in the past. Only a minority of departments are still performing NOTES and SILS, including cholecystectomies, appendectomies, thyroidectomies, and bowel resections. Whether the rise in use of robotic techniques correlates with the decrease of NOTES and SILS needs further investigation.

Robotic-Assisted Peripheral Nerve Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Robotic-assisted techniques are a tremendous revolution in modern surgery, and the advantages and indications were well discussed in different specialties. However, the use of robotic technique in plastic and reconstructive surgery is still very limited, especially in the field of peripheral nerve reconstruction. This study aims to identify current clinical applications for peripheral nerve reconstruction, and to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages to establish potential uses in the future. A review was conducted in the literatures from PubMed focusing on currently published robotic peripheral nerve intervention techniques. Eligible studies included related animal model, cadaveric and human studies. Reviews on robotic microsurgical technique unrelated to peripheral nerve intervention and non-English articles were excluded. The differences of wound assessment and nerve management between robotic-assisted and conventional approach were compared. Total 19 studies including preclinical experimental researches and clinical reports were listed and classified into brachial plexus reconstruction, peripheral nerve tumors management, peripheral nerve decompression or repair, peripheral nerve harvesting, and sympathetic trunk reconstruction. There were three animal studies, four cadaveric studies, eight clinical series, and four studies demonstrating clinical, animal, or cadaveric studies simultaneously. In total 53 clinical cases, only 20 (37.7%) cases were successfully approached with minimal invasive and intervened robotically; 17 (32.1%) cases underwent conventional approach and the nerves were intervened robotically; 12 (22.6%) cases converted to open approach but still intervened the nerve by robot; and 4 (7.5%) cases failed to approach robotically and converted to open surgery entirely. Robotic-assisted surgery is still in the early stage in peripheral nerve surgery. We believe the use of the robotic system in this field will develop to become popular in the future, especially in the fields that need cooperation with other specialties to provide the solutions for challenging circumstances.

Value of Indocyanine Green Angiography to Guide Wound Management and Prevent Necrosis in a Robotic Surgical Procedure.

Background: Inguinal lymph node dissection is performed in penile cancers and has a high complication rate with mostly wound-related complications. This case study demonstrates the use of robotic technique, tissue perfusion assessment, and negative pressure wound dressing to minimize wound-related complications. Case Presentation: A 67-year-old Maltese man was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ on biopsy of a self-detected penile lump. The patient underwent a partial penectomy and histopathology report confirmed moderately differentiated SCC with clear surgical margins. A positron emission tomography/CT scan was performed preoperatively, which showed several nodes in the right inguinal region with increased metabolic activity and nonspecific findings in the left inguinal region. The patient had a robotic right inguinal node dissection the following month. Assessment of the skin flap was performed using indocyanine green (ICG) angiography with the SPY system and there was excellent vascularity. Further treatment was performed 3 months later with a robotic left inguinal node dissection. Again, assessment of the skin flap was performed using the SPY system but showed an area of poor perfusion in the left femoral triangle, which suggested a high risk of inadequate wound healing and tissue necrosis. The clinical decision to use the negative pressure PICO dressing was made intraoperatively to enhance perfusion of the skin. When the PICO dressing was removed it revealed excellent tissue viability and vascularity of the skin flap. Histopathology analysis showed no evidence of malignancy in the nodes removed and patient was discharged to the outpatient care of their urologist. Conclusion: This case study demonstrates that the use of a tissue perfusion assessment tool avoided a potentially poor clinical outcome for the patient. Robotic inguinal lymph node dissection was performed in coordination with ICG angiography to guide the use of negative pressure wound therapy and facilitate good wound healing.

Does Robotic-Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty Improve Accuracy of Cup Positioning?

AbstractAcetabular component malpositioning is a frequent cause of complications in total hip arthroplasty including instability, increased wear, osteolysis, impingement, and revision surgery. Recently, robotics and navigation have been introduced to improve cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of postoperative acetabular component positioning using MAKO robotic-assisted versus manual acetabular component placement. A consecutive series of 100 total hip replacements were performed in 100 patients. The first 50 were performed using manual techniques, while the second 50 were performed using MAKO-guided acetabular component placement. Postoperative anteroposterior pelvis radiographs were used to determine the postoperative anteversion and inclination of the cup relative to the goal of 15 and 45°, respectively. In the manual group, the average anteversion and inclination was 14.3 and 44.2°, respectively, with 28% within 5° and 82% within 10° of the goal alignment, respectively. In the robotic group, the average anteversion and inclination was 15.1 and 45.6°, respectively, with 54 and 88% within 5 and 10° of the goal alignment, respectively. This equated to a statistically significant improvement in the number of acetabular components placed within 5° of the target alignment with the use of robotic guidance (p = 0.0142). From the authors' study, they were able to demonstrate a significant improvement in acetabular component alignment with the use of robotic techniques. Additional studies are needed to demonstrate improvement in clinical outcomes as a result of improved accuracy and precision of acetabular component placement.

Robotic Donor Nephrectomy: Against

The use of robotic techniques in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy currently tends to involve a longer ischemia time without clear advantages, and the cost of robotic surgery is significantly higher. If only one robot is available, then unnecessary prolongation of cold ischemia time also occurs, as the donor must first be undocked to dock the recipient. The combination of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy with parallel initiation of robot-assisted situs preparation and exposure of the renal vessels appears to be the best current approach to safe and cost-effective donor nephrectomy and subsequent robot-assisted kidney transplantation without wasting any time.

Is it the End for Urologic Pelvic Laparoscopic Surgery?

To scrutinize the rapid development of robotic versus traditional laparoscopic technique in pelvic urologic surgery. In the last few decades, advances in research and development have led to tremendous progress in medical diagnostics and treatment of disease. Minimally invasive surgery has moved from experimental to becoming the dominant form of surgical management across the surgical specialties. Laparoscopy is nowadays used widely in abdominal surgery, from simple diagnostic laparoscopy to complex colorectal and gynecologic cancer procedures. A literature search of electronic databases (PubMed, Medscape, Embase) using the key words: "pelvic laparoscopy, urologic oncology, robotic surgery, minimally invasive access" was performed for all relevant articles in the English language. Data were extrapolated from the abstracts alone to avoid subjective bias in drawing conclusions. Telemedicine and telesurgery, the diagnostic and operative process is conducted from a distance. The surgeon uses computer-assisted surgery away from the bedside via a robotic system and performs the surgical task at hand. In pelvic urological cancer surgery the use of robotic technique expands to female and reconstructive procedures as well. The leap forward is so massive, that traditional laparoscopic surgery is starting to be considered less, with a growing number of organizations being now more interested in developing a robotic service. Minimally invasive surgical techniques aim to improve surgical outcome in conjunction with delivery of high-quality patient care. Quality studies demonstrating superiority and cost effectiveness are lacking, however. Although tremendous accomplishments took place over a few years, there is still a lot of ground to be covered in standardizing the learning process and evaluating the outcome from the application of new technologies in the field of robotic pelvic surgery.

Role of hip abduction in the kinetics of the thoracic and lumbar spine

The motion of the thoracic and lumbar spine segments was analysed by mean of the skin landmarks method in 14 volunteers (7 males, 7 females). The results demonstrated that there was no significant difference between men and women and there was either facilitation or limitation of the motion of the characteristic landmarks of spinal segments during trunk motion in perpendicular planes. The mobility of spinal segments was associated with pelvic girdle motion in order to obtain the planned amplitude, and varied with hip joint abduction. The analysis of the precise mechanisms of relaxing or stretching of the pelvivertebral musculo-ligamentous structures constitutes a large field of investigation that necessitates the study of other lower limb postures and the use of robotic techniques.

Deburring: a joint operation

Explores the potential for the use of robotic techniques in the component finishing task. Features a joint project by the French CEA (atomic energy commission) and Stäubli and Seva which has just received government funding. Notes elements of the project such as the role of the man/machine interaction and reports positive conclusions to the deburring study.