Miniature surgical robot for laparoendoscopic single-incision colectomy

Area of Science:

• Minimally invasive surgery
• Surgical robotics
• Gastrointestinal surgery

Background:

• Current laparoscopic techniques for colectomy necessitate multiple incisions, limiting their widespread adoption.
• A novel multifunctional miniature robotic platform has been developed for insertion entirely within the peritoneal cavity through a single incision.
• The robot's design allows for rapid repositioning, facilitating access to multiple abdominal quadrants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel miniature in vivo robotic platform in performing single-incision colectomies.
• To demonstrate the platform's capability to overcome limitations of current laparoscopic and single-incision instruments.

Main Methods:

• A multifunctional robot with two articulated arms and interchangeable end effectors (graspers, electrocautery) was utilized.
• The robot was remotely controlled by a surgeon via a dedicated interface.
• Procedures were performed in a porcine model, with the robot fully inserted into the peritoneal cavity.

Main Results:

• Five single-incision colectomies were successfully completed in a porcine model using the miniature robotic platform.
• The robot effectively mobilized the colon and assisted in sigmoid colon transection with a stapler.
• No complications were reported during any of the robotic colectomy procedures.

Conclusions:

• The multifunctional miniature robot enhances visualization and dexterity, overcoming limitations of current instruments for single-incision colectomies.
• The platform's ability to operate entirely within the peritoneal cavity and be repositioned improves surgical task performance.
• Successful in vivo colectomies suggest the platform's potential for other complex single-incision surgeries.