title: Robotic resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.
abstract: Computer-assisted surgical devices, or "surgical robots," have recently been approved for general surgical use. The device allows the surgeon remote control of multi-articulated instrument arms with a three-dimensional view. Here we report the first known case of pancreatic resection with use of a computer-assisted, or robotic, surgical device. A 46-year old woman presented with back pain and a complex cystic mass in the tail of the pancreas. The daVinci surgical robot was used to remove the lesion en bloc with the tail of the pancreas and spleen. The patient did well and returned to full activity promptly. In summary, robotic technology may enhance advanced laparoscopic procedures. Pancreatic resection is feasible, and future experience will determine the true benefits of this technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA. melvin.14@osu.edu
authors.forename: W S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Melvin
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Needleman
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Krause
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Ellison
mesh_terms: D018278:Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D012371:Robotics; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted