Robotic Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery Hysterectomy and Salpingo-Oophorectomy in a Porcine Model

Abstract

Purpose. The emergence of robotic-assisted surgical techniques has gained significant indications in terms of reduced trauma, shortened recovery, and higher patients’ satisfaction. However, limitations by present surgical robotic systems used in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) gynecology still exists, such as arm collisions, countertraction, instrument dexterity, and, in particular, space confinement due to the narrow pelvic anatomy. The current study evaluated the use of a miniaturized single-site surgical robotic system and its feasibility in performing robotic NOTES gynecological procedures using a live porcine animal model. Methods. Using a transrectal approach, the fully internalized robotic arms were deployed in a reverse configuration to access the lower pelvic cavity of the animals to perform NOTES gynecological procedures. Results. Robotic-assisted transrectal gynecological procedures were successfully performed using the new robotic system. A hemi-hysterectomy with unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was completed in the first animal and a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in the second animal with an average docking time of 22.5 minutes and console time of 63 minutes and 58 minutes, respectively. The overall blood loss for each procedure was estimated to be <20 mL per animal with no intraoperative complications. Conclusions. The reverse configuration of the miniaturized surgical robotic system has demonstrated its capability to provide a potential solution to maintain clear visualization of the surgical field, optimal triangulation, and dexterity robotic NOTES gynecological procedures within the deep confined space of the pelvic cavity.

Gasless transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for hysterectomy and salpingectomy on a robot platform with flexible devices in a porcine model

“…However, it is not necessary to do the intricate dissection of para-cervical and para-uterine tissues in both cases. In 2021, Chan reported two cases of hysterectomy in the porcine model on a robot platform 6 . In this article, the surgery was performed by transrectal route, which was different from the transvaginal route in the present study.…”

“…In this case, robotic laparoscopy could play to its strength as it provides accurate and fine surgical procedures 3 . Although traditional robotic V-NOTES was proven to be non-inferiority compared to traditional laparoscopy 4 , 5 , challenge still existed as there was significant arm collisions due to space confinement and rigid-link instrumental arms 6 . For this reason, robotic platform with flexible devices was developed 7 .…”