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Assessment of the Versius surgical robotic system for dual-field synchronous transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) in a preclinical model: will tomorrow’s surgical robots promise newfound options?

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Abstract

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the Versius surgical robotic system for transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) in a preclinical setting.

Methods

Dry laboratory and cadaveric sessions were first conducted for three experienced colorectal surgeons in order to gain familiarity with the modular surgical system and the robotic workstation. After introduction, the system was configured to allow for synchronous, totally robotic taTME in a cadaver.

Results

Using the modular robotic system, one surgeon performed the abdominal portion of the operation, including colonic mobilization and vascular pedicle ligation while simultaneously a second surgeon performed the transanal portion of the operation to the point of rendezvous at the peritoneal reflection, where the operation was completed cooperatively. The operation was successfully completed in 195 min demonstrating preclinical feasibility of this unique approach with an emerging robotic system.

Conclusions

This is the first preclinical assessment of the Versius surgical robotic system for taTME. The ability to work simultaneously carries the theoretical advantage of reducing surgical time and thereby reducing overall operative costs. It may also allow surgeons to maintain focus on critical parts of the operation by halving the fatigue associated with long, complex cases such as taTME.

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Funding

CMR Surgical provided the funding and resources necessary to conduct this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Colorectal Surgery, EndoSurgical Center of Florida, Florida Hospital, 100 N. Dean Road, Orlando, FL, 32825, USA

    S. Atallah

  2. Department of Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, West Palm Beach, FL, USA

    E. Parra-Davila

  3. Department of Surgery, IRCAD, Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    A. G. F. Melani

Authors
  1. S. Atallah
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  2. E. Parra-Davila
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  3. A. G. F. Melani
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. Atallah.

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Disclosures

Dr. S. Atallah reports consultancy (such as consulting fees, honoraria) from Medtronic, Applied Medical, ConMed, Inc, and Medrobotics. Dr. A.G.F. Melani receives remuneration (payment for services not otherwise identified as salary such as consulting fees, honoraria) from Medtronic, Ethicon, Intuitive Surgical, and Verb Surgical though he has no direct conflicts of interest with content discussed in this manuscript. Dr. E. Parra-Davila receives remuneration (payment for services not otherwise identified as salary such as consulting fees, honoraria) from Medtronic, Ethicon, Intuitive Surgical, and Verb Surgical though he has no direct conflicts of interest with content discussed in this manuscript.

Ethical approval

This research was performed in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained in accordance with the standards set forth by hospital regulations.

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Atallah, S., Parra-Davila, E. & Melani, A.G.F. Assessment of the Versius surgical robotic system for dual-field synchronous transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) in a preclinical model: will tomorrow’s surgical robots promise newfound options?. Tech Coloproctol 23, 471–477 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-019-01992-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-019-01992-1

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