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Robotic Skull Base Surgery
Mitchell Heuermann1, Alex P Michael2, Dana L Crosby1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, SIU School of Medicine, 720 North Bond Street, Springfield, IL 62702, USA.
Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America
|September 15, 2020
Summary
Robotic surgery is limited in skull base procedures due to technical challenges. Future robots need improved maneuverability and integrated image guidance for better outcomes in complex surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Robotics
Background:
- Robotic surgery, exemplified by the da Vinci system, is increasingly utilized in otolaryngology.
- Its application in anterior and central skull base surgery remains limited.
- Existing robotic systems face technical challenges in navigating complex skull base anatomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the limitations of current robotic technology in skull base surgery.
- To identify key areas for improvement in novel robotic systems for this specialty.
Main Methods:
- Review of current robotic applications in skull base surgery.
- Analysis of technical limitations hindering broader adoption.
Main Results:
- Current robots are not optimized for the intricate anatomical constraints of the skull base.
- Creative but limited uses of existing technology have been reported.
- Significant limitations include poor maneuverability, inability to suture, lack of haptic feedback, and absent image guidance integration.
Conclusions:
- Novel robotic systems are needed to overcome current technical deficiencies.
- Future robots must address maneuverability, suturing capabilities, haptic feedback, and image guidance integration.
- Advancements in robotic technology are crucial for expanding its role in anterior and central skull base surgery.
