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How close are we to anterior robotic skull base surgery?
Raewyn G Campbell1,2,3, Richard J Harvey1,3
1Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University.
Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery
|December 18, 2020
Summary
Robotic surgery for anterior skull base disease is emerging, but current limitations exist. Future advancements in robotic technology promise improved tumor resection and reduced patient morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Robotic Surgery
- Skull Base Surgery
Background:
- Anterior skull base surgery presents challenges due to complex anatomy and limited access.
- Robotic surgery offers potential benefits like improved tumor resection and reduced patient morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the current application of robotic surgery in anterior skull base disease.
- To discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of robotic anterior skull base surgery.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and current robotic systems for anterior skull base procedures.
- Discussion of technological advancements and future potential.
Main Results:
- Limited transoral robotic surgery procedures have been performed for anterior skull base disease.
- Current limitations include the size of robotic endoscopes and instrumentation.
- Technological advancements like single-port robots and flexible instruments are under development.
Conclusions:
- Robotic anterior skull base surgery is not yet feasible via transnasal access with current systems.
- Promising technologies are in development to overcome current limitations.
- Future robotic systems aim to enhance access, improve oncologic outcomes, reduce morbidity, and surgeon ergonomics.
