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Fully Telemetric Robotic Microsurgery: Clinical Experience With 23 Cases
Shaghayegh Gorji1,2, Kai Wessel1,2, Alexander Dermietzel1,2,3
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Munster, Munster, Germany.
Microsurgery
|August 29, 2024
Summary
This study shows that a robotic system for microsurgery is safe and effective for free flap reconstruction. Surgeons reported equal or better satisfaction, indicating potential for improved surgical quality.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Robotic Surgery
- Microsurgery
Background:
- Advancements in robotic-assisted microsurgery and supermicrosurgery are transforming plastic surgery.
- A telemetrically controlled robotic microscope combined with a microsurgery robot enables surgeon disconnection from the operating field.
- This study reports the first clinical applications of this integrated robotic setup for free flap reconstructions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and feasibility of a combined remote robotic approach for free flap reconstruction.
- To assess surgical performance and learning curves associated with this novel robotic system.
- To compare surgeon satisfaction with the robotic approach versus conventional microsurgery.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-three free flap reconstructions were performed using the Symani Surgical System and RoboticScope.
- Key metrics recorded included anastomosis time, ischemia time, and flap survival rates.
- Surgical skill was assessed using the modified Structured Assessment of Microsurgical Skills (SAMS) score, and surgeon satisfaction was surveyed.
Main Results:
- Flap survival rate was high at 95.7%.
- Average arterial anastomosis time was 36.7 minutes, with total surgery time averaging 277.7 minutes and ischemia time 100.6 minutes.
- SAMS scores improved significantly from early to later procedures, and surgeon satisfaction was comparable or superior to conventional methods.
Conclusions:
- The combined remote robotic approach is safe and feasible for microsurgical procedures.
- Robotic systems show promise for enhancing surgical quality in microsurgery.
- This technology opens new possibilities and frontiers in the field of microsurgery.
