Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

07:27
Robotics in Surgery: A Modular Robotic Platform Driven Gastric Wedge Resection
Published on: February 7, 2025
Robotic control in hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in humans - a pilot study
P Chatzilias1, Z Kamarianakis, S Golemati
1Dept. of Urology, Hosp. of Chania, Crete, Greece.
Summary
Robotic arms can safely assist in hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomies, minimizing trauma during urologic surgery. This study shows feasibility and successful outcomes, paving the way for future robotic surgical applications.
Area of Science:
- Urologic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Robotic Surgery
Background:
- Minimizing trauma in urologic surgery is crucial.
- Laparoscopic surgical robotic arms offer potential benefits.
- Surgical assistants play a key role in complex procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and applicability of using the AESOP robotic arm.
- To assess its role as a substitute for surgical assistants.
- To explore its use in hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomies.
Main Methods:
- Four patients underwent robotic-assisted hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy.
- The AESOP robotic arm was utilized as a surgical assistant.
- Outcomes were assessed based on operative time, blood loss, and recovery.
Main Results:
- Successful completion of hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in all four patients.
- Average operative time was 252.5 minutes, with 0.57 ml estimated blood loss.
- Patients were discharged on average after 4.5 days with no reported complications.
Conclusions:
- Robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy is a feasible and safe procedure.
- The use of robotic arms can potentially reduce operative time with increased experience.
- Further investigation into the long-term cost-effectiveness is warranted.

