title: A new dimension: robotic reconstruction in plastic surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Robot-assisted surgery was first approved by the Federal Drug Administration in 1994. The robotic system has the advantages of three-dimensional visualization of the operating field, 7° range of motion, tremor elimination, 360°of freedom at 10-mm distance, and a comfortable, seated operating posture. The purpose of this paper is to present a new surgical tool, the robot, for use in reconstructive surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case is presented in which the robotic system was used to elevate a pedicled, myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap for shoulder reconstruction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The robot was used successfully to harvest a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap. Since this case, we have used the robotic system to harvest one other pedicled latissimus flap for breast reconstruction as well as to perform the microvascular anastomoses in a radial forearm and rectus abdominus free flaps to the lower extremity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is great potential for the use of robot as a surgical tool in the field of plastic surgery. The advantages are numerous, including superior visibility, greater range of motion as a more comfortable position for the operating surgeon. The limitations include the learning curve and the lack of biofeedback.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Summa Health System/Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine, 525 E. Market Street, Akron, OH, 44304, USA.
authors.forename: Nima P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.affiliation: Akron General Medical Center, 400 Wabash Ave, Akron, OH, 44307, USA. justinvm44@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Meeteren
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Akron General Medical Center, One Park West Boulevard, Suite 350, Akron, OH, 44320, USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pedersen
keywords: Latissimus dorsi flap; Robotic surgery