Robotic instrumentation: Evolution and microsurgical applications

Abstract

This article presents a review of the history and evolution of robotic instrumentation and its applications in urology. A timeline for the evolution of robotic instrumentation is presented to better facilitate an understanding of our current-day applications. Some new directions including robotic microsurgical applications (robotic assisted denervation of the spermatic cord for chronic orchialgia and robotic assisted vasectomy reversal) are presented. There is a paucity of prospective comparative effectiveness studies for a number of robotic applications. However, right or wrong, human nature has always led to our infatuation with the concept of using tools to meet our needs. This chapter is a brief tribute to where we have come from and where we may be potentially heading in the field of robotic assisted urologic surgery.

The History of Robotics in Surgical Specialties

“…Now there is even a probe that allows for 100x magnification which allows for greater visual prowess. 70 …”

Robotic approaches for male infertility and chronic orchialgia microsurgery

“…The first human trials of RAVV/RAVE were done using the initial daVinci robotic system [24] and then the new daVinci Si system [25,26]. On the basis of these trials, roboticassisted reversal appeared to have an advantage over microsurgical reversal in terms of ease of performing the procedure and improved patency rates [21 ,22].…”

Robot-assisted anatrophic nephrolithotomy for complete staghorn stone

“…[3] Robotic surgery is replacing open surgery for cosmetics and postoperative pain and replacing the laparoscopic approach for easier operation. [4] Recently, series of robotic-assist pyelolithotomy and nephrolithotomy for complicated renal stones have been reported. [5,6] However, no study discusses specifically about complete staghorn stone.…”