Robotic Surgery and Tele-surgery: Basic Principles and Description of a Novel Concept

ROBOTIC SURGERY AND TELE-SURGERY: BASIC PRINCIPLES AND DESCRIPTION OF A NOVEL CONCEPT (Abstract): One of the most important advances in surgical technology in the last two decades of the twentieth century is represented by the introduction of the laparoscopic technique. Using the laparoscopic approach the patient is operated through keyhole incisions as opposed to long, traumatic incisions over the thoracic or abdominal cavity. Many open procedures, such as those for gallbladder disorders, groin hernia repair and anti-reflux surgery of the stomach have been replaced by minimally-invasive procedures, whose advantages include shorter postoperative hospitalization, less pain, and a faster return to normal activity. Although improvements continue to be made in laparoscopic surgery, surgeons are generally still faced with particular drawbacks of this technique. Robotic surgery and computer-enhanced surgery may revolutionize these techniques by restoring most of the advantages of open surgery but in the context of minimally-invasive procedures. For example, cardiac surgery has entered a new era since robotic surgery appeared a part of certain by-pass and valve surgery. This work describes the da Vinci Surgical RobotTM which represents the current stateof-the art of this technology. New developments in system accuracy, planning and simulation of the surgical act are highlighted.