Robotics in Neurosurgery: Evolution, Current Challenges, and Compromises.
BACKGROUND
Advances in technology have pushed the boundaries of neurosurgery. Surgeons play a major role in the neurosurgical field, but robotic systems challenge the current status quo. Robotic-assisted surgery has revolutionized several surgical fields, yet robotic-assisted neurosurgery is limited by available technology.


METHODS
The literature on the current robotic systems in neurosurgery and the challenges and compromises of robotic design are reviewed and discussed.


RESULTS
Several robotic systems are currently in use, but the application of these systems is limited in the field of neurosurgery. Most robotic systems are suited to assist in stereotactic procedures. Current research and development teams focus on robotic-assisted microsurgery and minimally invasive surgery. The tasks of miniaturizing the current tools and maximizing control challenge manufacturers and hinder progress. Furthermore, loss of haptic feedback, proprioception, and visualization increase the time it takes for users to master robotic systems.


CONCLUSIONS
Robotic-assisted surgery is a promising field in neurosurgery, but improvements and breakthroughs in minimally invasive and endoscopic robotic-assisted surgical systems must occur before robotic assistance becomes commonplace in the neurosurgical field.
Department of Neuro-Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, FL 33612, USA. Frank.Vrionis@Moffitt.org.
James J
JJ
Doulgeris
Sabrina A
SA
Gonzalez-Blohm
Andreas K
AK
Filis
Thomas M
TM
Shea
Kamran
K
Aghayev
Frank D
FD
Vrionis
D006801:Humans; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends