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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
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Robotics in Surgery: A Modular Robotic Platform Driven Gastric Wedge Resection
Published on: February 7, 2025
Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery using a multi-functional miniature in vivo robot.
Tyler D Wortman1, Kyle W Strabala, Amy C Lehman
1Walter Scott Engineering Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0656, USA.
Summary
A new miniature in vivo robotic platform enhances laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) by overcoming visualization and dexterity limitations. This robotic system offers improved manipulation for complex surgical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Robotics in Medicine
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Current laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) methods face limitations in visualization and dexterity due to single-port access.
- A novel in vivo robotic platform inserted entirely within the peritoneal cavity can overcome these challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a miniature in vivo robotic platform designed to enhance LESS procedures.
- To demonstrate the platform's capability for improved manipulation and visualization in single-port surgery.
Main Methods:
- Development of a multi-functional miniature in vivo robot with a remote surgeon interface.
- The robot features two arms with interchangeable end effectors for cautery, tissue manipulation, and suturing.
Main Results:
- Successful demonstration of the robotic platform in multiple non-survival procedures in a porcine model.
- Included four successful cholecystectomies performed using the in vivo robotic system.
Conclusions:
- The study validates the effectiveness of a multi-functional miniature in vivo robot for performing LESS.
- This technology shows promise for advancing single-port surgical techniques.
