Aktormed

Abstract:

Despite advances in instruments and techniques in laparoscopic surgery, one thing remains uncomfortable: the camera assistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the benefit of a joystick-guided camera holder (SoloAssist®, AKTORmed, Barbing, Germany) for laparoscopic surgery and to compare the robotic assistance to human assistance. 1033 consecutive laparoscopic procedures were performed assisted by the SoloAssist®. Failures and aborts were documented and nine surgeons were interviewed by questionnaire regarding their experiences. In 71 of 1033 procedures, robotic assistance was aborted and the procedure was continued manually, mostly because of frequent changes of position, narrow spaces, and adverse angular degrees. One case of short circuit was reported. Emergency stop was necessary in three cases due to uncontrolled movement into the abdominal cavity. Seven of eight surgeons prefer robotic to human assistance, mostly because of a steady image and self-control. The SoloAssist® robot is a reliable system for laparoscopic procedures. Emergency shutdown was necessary in only three cases. Some minor weak spots could have been identified. Most surgeons prefer robotic assistance to human assistance. We feel that the SoloAssist® makes standard laparoscopic surgery more comfortable and further development is desirable but it cannot fully replace a human assistant.

Authors:

Sebastian W. Holländer, MD, Assistant Physician, Department of Surgery, Protestant Hospital Zweibrücken, Academic Teaching Hospital of Saarland University, Zweibrücken, Germany, Hans Joachim Klingen, MD, Senior Consultant, Department of Surgery, Protestant Hospital Zweibrücken, Academic Teaching Hospital of Saarland University, Zweibrücken, Germany, Marliese Fritz, MD, Senior Physician, Department of Surgery, Protestant Hospital Zweibrücken, Academic Teaching Hospital of Saarland University, Zweibrücken, Germany, Peter Djalali, MD, Senior Physician, Department of Surgery, Protestant Hospital Zweibrücken, Academic Teaching Hospital of Saarland University, Zweibrücken, Germany, Dieter Birk, MD, PhD, Medical Director and Head of Department, Department of Surgery, Protestant Hospital Zweibrücken, Academic Teaching Hospital of Saarland University, Zweibrücken, Germany

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