Robotic surgery update.
BACKGROUND
Minimally invasive surgical techniques have revolutionized the field of surgery. Telesurgical manipulators (robots) and new information technologies strive to improve upon currently available minimally invasive techniques and create new possibilities.


METHODS
A retrospective review of all robotic cases at a single academic medical center from August 2000 until November 2002 was conducted. A comprehensive literature evaluation on robotic surgical technology was also performed.


RESULTS
Robotic technology is safely and effectively being applied at our institution. Robotic and information technologies have improved upon minimally invasive surgical techniques and created new opportunities not attainable in open surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Robotic technology offers many benefits over traditional minimal access techniques and has been proven safe and effective. Further research is needed to better define the optimal application of this technology. Credentialing and educational requirements also need to be delineated.
Jacobsen
G
G
Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center, Room 443 CSB (M/C 958), 840 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612-7233, USA.
Elli
F
F
Horgan
S
S
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*