The international journal of medical robotics + computer assisted surgery : MRCAS
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During surgical procedures, various medical systems, e.g. microscope or C-arm, are used. Their precise and repeatable manual positioning can be very cumbersome and interrupts the surgeon's work flow. Robotized systems can assist the surgeon but they require suitable kinematics and control. However, positioning must be fast, flexible and intuitive. ⋯ The robotic system assists the surgeon, so that he can position the microscope precisely and repeatedly without interrupting the clinical workflow. The combination of manual und automatic control guarantees fast and flexible positioning during surgical procedures.
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Robotically assisted laparoscopic surgery has a different learning curve to straight stick laparoscopic surgery. The learning curve for novices is likely to be different to that for experienced surgeons. We assessed the early learning curve for trainees with 18 months or less of surgical experience. ⋯ For surgical novices tested on an in vitro dexterity exercise, a robotically assisted laparoscopic system offers a shorter learning curve and improved accuracy compared to straight stick surgery.