Anatomy Considerations in Robotic Surgery

Abstract

From Ancient Greece through modern surgical practice, anatomical knowledge has remained of utmost importance. Surgery, more than any other field, relies heavily on this framework to both diagnose and treat patients. Despite the fundamental basis for anatomic knowledge in surgery, many teaching institutions are placing less and less emphasis on gross anatomy coursework. For those without a strong fund of anatomic knowledge, unfamiliarity with minimally invasive visualization of structures may produce angst. As critical structures in abdominal procedures appear different in open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches, one should always establish familiar orientation depending upon modality used. This chapter seeks to demonstrate relevant colorectal anatomy from a robotic perspective.