The EndoAssist™ robotic camera holder as an aid to the introduction of laparoscopic colorectal surgery

Abstract

Introducing laparoscopic colorectal surgery is a challenge to the whole surgical team. It is usual for an assistant to hold the laparoscope and be responsible for the surgeon's view of the operative field and a lack of expertise in the assistant can add significant difficulties. The EndoAssist™ is a robotic device that replaces the human assistant and ensures steady visualisation of the operative field and a view which can be controlled by the surgeon. This study describes its use in the introduction of laparoscopic colorectal surgery to a unit. Patents and Method: The EndoAssist was employed for the introduction of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in a unit with previous experience of this device for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It was used in a consecutive series of 77 laparoscopic colectomy operations. Results: The robotic device proved successful in the whole range of colorectal operations and a reliable assistant. No problems specific to the device were encountered. Conclusion: The EndoAssist robot is a useful laparoscopic assistant and aided in the introduction of laparoscopic colorectal.