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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The EndoAssist robot is a useful laparoscopic assistant and aided in the introduction of laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Gilbert
J M
JM
Department of General Surgery, Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, Berkshire, UK. jmgilbert@doctors.org.uk
D003107:Colorectal Surgery / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery / Q000295:instrumentation