Failure of a robotic arm during da Vinci prostatectomy: a case report

Abstract

We report a rare case of a da Vinci robotic arm failure during a laparoscopic robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. The articulation joint of an Endowrist needle driver was broken and positioned at such an angle that made it impossible to remove through the trocar. In addition, it was later discovered that a small piece of the instrument was detached and remained inside the abdomen of the patient without even having been identified on subsequent radiological evaluation. In order to remove the broken instrument, we had to uninstall it from the robot arm and a bigger incision had to be made in the abdominal wall of the patient. The operation was completed without any other incidents. Testing the broken instrument for integrity is recommended to avoid this rare complication.

Iliac Vein Injury Due to a Damaged Hot Shears™ Tip Cover During Robot Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

“…Questions have thus been raised on its stability and reliability, however, there have been reports of minimal error and failure rates 1-3. This report aims to show that more attention should be given not only to the mechanical parts but also to its accessories as well.…”

“…Questions have thus been raised on its stability and reliability, however, there have been reports of minimal error and failure rates. 1 - 3 This report aims to show that more attention should be given not only to the mechanical parts but also to its accessories as well. Extra caution should be exercised in the maintenance and care of the equipment to eliminate unnecessary complications during and after the operative procedure.…”

Robotische Chirurgie – operiert der Roboter?

“…In the literature, every now and again single case reports are published that describe breaking of an instrument arm during robot-assisted intervention 82 . Those publications make clear that the application of robots bears new risks for the patients that have to be discussed during preoperative information.…”

“…In der Literatur erscheinen immer wieder einzelne Fallberichte, in denen der Bruch eines Instrumentenarms während eines Roboter-assistierten Eingriffs beschrieben wird 82 . Diese Publikationen verdeutlichen, dass der Einsatz von Robotern neue Risiken für den Patienten birgt, welche in dem präoperativen Aufklärungsgespräch diskutiert werden müssen.…”

Robin heart progress - advances material and technology in surgical robots

“…For example N. oliakos et al [5] report a rare case of a da Vinci robotic arm failure during a laparoscopic robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. The articulation joint of an Endowrist needle driver was broken and positioned at such an angle that made it impossible to remove through the trocar.…”