Robotic single-incision transabdominal and transvaginal surgery: initial experience with intersecting robotic arms

✍ Scribed by Monika E. Hagen; Oliver J. Wagner; Ihsan Inan; Philippe Morel; Jean Fasel; Garth Jacobsen; Adam Spivack; Kari Thompson; Brian Wong; Lauren Fischer; Mark Talamini; Santiago Horgan

• Publisher: Wiley (Robotic Publications)
• Year: 2010
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 254 KB
• Volume: 6
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1478-5951
• DOI: 10.1002/rcs.310

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Background

Single‐incision laparoscopic and natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) are technically challenging methods. Robotics might have the potential to overcome such hurdles with computer technology.

Methods

The da Vinci^®^ Standard and S System (Intuitive, Sunnyvale, USA) were used in human cadavers and pigs to perform single‐incision transabdominal and transvaginal surgery. Robotic arms were crossed and control‐switched to achieve intuitive control.

Results

It was possible to perform robotic single‐incision laparoscopy in the typical, intuitive fashion. Transvaginal set‐up, including docking of the system and introduction of instruments into the abdominal cavity, was possible but no useful manipulation could be performed.

Conclusions

While robotic NOTES with the da Vinci surgical system was not successful, robotic single‐incision surgery is feasible using the above set‐up. This new approach seems to offer the advantages of single‐incision surgery while maintaining the intuitive control of robotic surgery. Clinical application appears justified. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.