• Monish Aron, Georges-Pascal Haber, Mihir M Desai, and Inderbir S Gill.
• Section of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery, Glickman Urological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
• Curr Opin Urol. 2007 May 1;17(3):151-5.

Purpose Of ReviewThe use of robotics in urologic surgery has seen exponential growth over the last 5 years. Existing surgical robots operate rigid instruments on the master/slave principle and currently allow extraluminal manipulations and surgical procedures. Flexible robotics is an entirely novel paradigm. This article explores the potential of flexible robotic platforms that could permit endoluminal and transluminal surgery in the future.Recent FindingsComputerized catheter-control systems are being developed primarily for cardiac applications. This development is driven by the need for precise positioning and manipulation of the catheter tip in the three-dimensional cardiovascular space. Such systems employ either remote navigation in a magnetic field or a computer-controlled electromechanical flexible robotic system. We have adapted this robotic system for flexible ureteropyeloscopy and have to date completed the initial porcine studies.SummaryFlexible robotics is on the horizon. It has potential for improved scope-tip precision, superior operative ergonomics, and reduced occupational radiation exposure. In the near future, in urology, we believe that it holds promise for endoluminal therapeutic ureterorenoscopy. Looking further ahead, within the next 3-5 years, it could enable transluminal surgery.

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