BERKELEY, CA (UroToday.com) - Firstly, I would like to say kudos to Vip Patel on the publication of Volume 1, number 1 of the new Journal of Robotic Surgery. This is one of the most significant signs of the solid incorporation of robotic technology into the surgical realm. While there are many excellent articles in this inaugural issue the manuscript from Lehman AC and colleague was particularly fascinating The concept is that of a new paradigm: instead of placing the robot outside the patient, miniaturize the robot and place it on the inside of the patient. Herein the authors describe both fixed base and mobile 15 mm robots capable of image transmission as well as, in the latter, guided movement on helical wheels and biopsy abilities. While in its infancy, this approach to surgery is very appealing and its potential use with NOTES (natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery) is likewise interesting.

Lehman AC, Rentschler ME, Farritor SM, Oleynikov D

J. Robotic Surgery. 1(1):45-49, March 2007
Doi: 10.1007/s11701-007-0019-9

UroToday.com Laproscopic and Robotic Section

Written by Ralph V. Clayman, MD, a Contributing Editor with UroToday.

Please log-in or register in order to submit comments.

Powered by AkoComment!