Multispeciality applications of robotic technology

Abstract

A paradigm change in the approach to the surgical patient began in 1987 when Mouret performed the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy.1 Since then, laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery has been utilized to perform a wide variety of procedures that encompass many surgical specialties. However, limitations in the instrumentation prevented the widespread application of laparoscopic techniques for more complex and reconstructive procedures. Intuitive Surgical Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA) and Computer Motion (Santa Barbara, CA) were the initial companies that developed the technology for robot-assisted surgery, attempting to overcome the limitations of traditional laparoscopic techniques. The first robots were utilized merely as laparoscopic assistants; however, with advancing technology, robots became more widely utilized as critical components of minimally invasive procedures. Contemporary robotic systems offer unparalleled magnified three-dimensional (3D) vision and the robotic instruments are more precise and dexterous than the human hand. © 2007 Springer-Verlag London Limited.