TELEROBOTIC ASSISTED LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - INITIAL LABORATORY AND CLINICAL-EXPERIENCE

Objectives. To assess the feasibility of telerobotic assisted surgery. Methods. In a laboratory model, a cholecystectomy, splenectomy, and nephrectomy were performed by an inexperienced surgeon who was being mentored by an experienced surgeon stationed at a remote site. The remote surgeon controlled the laparoscopic camera by utilizing a telerobotic system. In patients, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, varix ligation, and bladder suspension were performed by an experienced team utilizing a robotic system controlled by an experienced surgeon from a remote site. Results. In both the laboratory and clinical setting, all procedures were successfully completed without complications. Conclusions. Current technology is available to successfully allow for telerobotic assisted surgery.