title: Robotic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (R-LESS) in urology: an evidence-based analysis.
abstract: The objective of this manuscript is to provide an evidence-based analysis of the current status and future perspectives of robotic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (R-LESS). A PubMed search has been performed for all relevant urological literature regarding natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). All clinical and investigative reports for robotic LESS and NOTES procedures in the urological literature have been considered. A significant number of clinical urological procedures have been successfully completed utilizing R-LESS procedures. The available experience is limited to referral centers, where the case volume is sufficient to help overcome the challenges and learning curve of LESS surgery. The robotic interface remains the best fit for LESS procedures but its mode of use continues to evolve in attempts to improve surgical technique. We stand today at the dawn of R-LESS surgery, but this approach may well become the standard of care in the near future. Further technological development is needed to allow widespread adoption of the technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Institut Montsouris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France. eric.barret@imm.fr
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Barret
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sanchez-Salas
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ercolani
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Forgues
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rozet
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Galiano
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Cathelineau
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D012371:Robotics; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*