First experience of lymphaticovenular anastomosis using BHC RobotiScope: A case report

The RoboticScope (BHS Technologies GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria) is a robotic exoscope, which consists of a robotic arm that holds a 3-dimensional camera. It has an advantage that a surgeon can perform an operation comfortably with a favorable ergonomic position. Also, it allows the delivery of clear and high-quality visualization for surgeons. In this study, we would like to share our initial experience with this newly developed microscope technology in lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA). To the best of our knowledge, it is the first experience of LVA using this microscope in Asia.

A 65-year-old woman presented with bilateral lower extremity lymphedema after a hysterectomy that was performed 25 years back. Despite complex decongestive physiotherapy, an edematous symptom in both legs worsened.

In lymphoscintigraphy, a decreased visualization of main lymphatic flow in both the lower extremities was evident which was further suggestive of lymphatic obstruction.

Although both sides showed edematous symptoms, we decided to proceed with the surgery on the left side first, because of the worsened condition. Four LVAs were performed at the dorsum of the foot (×2), ankle, and the superior edge of the knee using RoboticScope.

At 6-months follow-up after operation, the postoperative circumference diameters were improved than preoperative in 10 cm above the knee (45 cm vs 49 cm), 10cm below the knee (37 cm vs 41 cm) and lateral malleolus (25 cm vs 28 cm). The lower extremity lymphedema index was also improved from 346.7 to 287.4 postoperatively. The RoboticScope provided a high-resolution image and a favorable ergonomic position during an operation.

The results represent the possibility of the application of a robotic microscope in the field of microsurgery, and further studies are necessitated to confirm the efficacy of this system.