The Development of a Surgeon Robot for Prostatectomies

Abstract

The removal of prostatic tissue through transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is an operation that can require considerable skill from a surgeon as well as being a lengthy procedure. The potential for using robotic techniques was investigated in a preliminary feasibility study using a standard six axis 'Puma' robot. This led to the construction of a manually operated 'safety frame' which has been shown to be effective through clinical trials on 30 patients. A special-purpose robot, based on the design of the manual frame, has now been constructed. Some of the safety issues are discussed which make this procedure an ideal candidate for a robotic device.

URS Konusunda Teknolojik Gelişmeler

“…Cerrahi operasyonlarda robot teknolojisi ilk kez 1988'de stereotaktik beyin cerrahi operasyonunda robotik kolun kullanılmasıyla başlamıştır. Robotik teknolojinin üroloji de ilk kullanımı ise modifiye edilen bu robotik kolun prostatın transüretral rezeksiyonu operasyonunda kullanılması olarak kabul edilmektedir (29,30). Bu rijit sistemlerdeki robotik çalışmalar maalesef gelişme göste-rerek klinik kullanıma girememiştir.…”

Robotic Systems: Past, Present, and Future

“…It was designed by the team at the Imperial College in London 1991. 10,11 The system had a 7 degrees of freedom (DOF) coupled to a motorized component to automate transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hypertrophy. The coordinates for resection were based on pre-operative prostate volume and shape determined by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) scans.…”

A selected review and personal experience with robotic prostatectomy: implications for adoption of this new technology in the United Kingdom

“…In 1991, Davies et al 6 were the first to report the use of a robot in urological surgery. They undertook a trans urethral resection prostate (TURP) using a modified industrial arm.…”