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DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1600790
Robotic Transnasal Endoscopic Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Report of a Novel Prototype
Publication History
Publication Date:
02 March 2017 (online)
Background: Although robotics has found application in several surgical fields, the available systems are not designed for endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). New-conception prototypes designed for ESBS have been recently reported.
Aim of the Study: To provide a systematic literature review of robotics for ESBS and describe a novel prototype developed at the University of Brescia.
Material and Methods: PubMed and Scopus databases were searched using a combination of terms, including Robotics OR Robot and Surgery OR Otolaryngology OR Skull Base OR Holder. The retrieved papers were analyzed by highlighting the following characteristics: interface, tools under robotic control, force feedback, safety systems, set-up time and operative time. A novel hybrid robotic system has been developed at the University of Brescia.
Results: A total of 11 robotic prototypes for ESBS were identified and divided in two classes: those which are controlled via a joystick, and those which use different remote control systems. Almost all prototypes shared a difficult emergency management as one of the main limits. The novel prototype demonstrated the feasibility and potential of a hybrid system with a robotic endoscopic holder.
Conclusion: Robotic systems prototypes designed for ESBS and reported in the literature still present significant technical limitations. Robot-assistance may play an important role in the future of skull base surgery thanks to dedicated devices conceived for a “hybrid” robot-assisted endoscopic transnasal approach.