The role of flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) in the management of nephrolithiasis has increased due to the improved armamentarium. However, FURS still represents a challenging technique limiting its diffusion. Similar to previous experiences in laparoscopy, recently developed robotic devices may significantly compensate for the ergonomic deficiencies of FURS. Based on a short description of the history of robotic devices for laparoscopy, this article summarizes all current developments of robotic FURS. In 2008, robotic FURS was first reported using the Sensei-Magellan system designed for interventional cardiology. However, with this device the ureteroscope was only passively manipulated, which represented the main reason why this project has been discontinued after 18 clinical cases. Avicenna Roboflex™ was especially developed for FURS. It consists of a surgeon's console and manipulator of a flexible ureterorenoscope. The console provides an adjustable seat with armrests and two manipulators of the endoscope: the right wheel enables deflection and the left horizontal joystick allows rotation as well as advancing and retracting the instrument. The speed of rotation and advancement can be regulated at the screen of the console. Using the IDEAL system for evaluation of new robotic devices, safety and efficacy of the system could be demonstrated in two multi-centric studies providing significant improved ergonomics for the surgeon (IDEAL stage 1 and 2). Future studies are necessary to determine the final role of robotic FURS.

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ZusammenfassungDie Robotik hat die klassische Laparoskopie in den letzen Jahren etwas an den Rand gedrängt. Dennoch hat sich auch die Laparoskopie und Retroperitoneoskopie in den letzten Jahren technologisch weiterentwickelt mit 4K-Ultra-HD-Videotechnologie, 3D-HD-Videosystemen, miniaturisierten Instrumenten, modernen Schneid- und Koagulationsverfahren, Instrumenten mit 7 Freiheitsgraden und ergnomischen Plattformen Ethos Chair®. Aufgrund der auslaufendenden Patente von Intuitive Surgical wird ab 2019 eine Konkurrenzsituation mit neuen Herstellern von Operationsrobotern existieren. Diese müssen erst belegen, ob sie den hohen Qualitätsstandard der Da-Vinci-Serie (SI, X, XI) bieten können. Dies betrifft die Art der Konsole, Anordnung der Roboterarme, Technologie des 3D-Videosystems und Qualität und Freiheitsgrade der Endeffektoren. Robotersysteme für die Endourologie sind Avicenna Roboflex® für die flexible Ureteroskopie und AquaBeam®-System für die Roboter-assistierte Aquaablation der Prostata. Während Roboflex ähnlich dem Da-Vinci-System die Ergonomie des Eingriffes erleichtert, ersetzt die robotergestützte Aquaablation erstmals den Operateur.

Background: Approximately 1% of urolithiasis cases in Germany affect children. Interdisciplinary groups have agreed on national and international guidelines for children to recommend appropriate treatment pathways. The aim of this retrospective and preliminary study is to analyze whether adherence to current guidelines for pediatric stone disease in southwestern Germany is feasible. Methods: During 2014 to 2017 24 children and adolescents (nine female, 15 male, median age 9.7 years), were treated for symptomatic urolithiasis in our institutions. We retrospectively collected clinical and operative courses. Clinical pathways were compared to previous guideline recommendations of the EAU 2014 and the German S2k guideline 2015. Results: 17 of the 24 patients were treated according to guideline recommendations (71%). Non-adherency was based on parental decisions in two and technical/medical considerations in five cases. In 11 children (45.8%) secondary or adjunctive treatments were necessary, in three of the seven non-adherently treated (43%) and in eight of the 17 adherently treated children (47%). Conclusion: Our daily treatment approach seems to comply well with current pediatric stone guidelines. Nevertheless, guideline-non-adherent decision making emphasizes their strength and limitations, as specific clinical situations in children may require an individual treatment plan, as non-predictable conditions may occur.