The EndoAssist™ Robotic Camera Holder as an Aid to the Introduction of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Introducing laparoscopic colorectal surgery is a challenge to the whole surgical team. It is usual for an assistant to hold the laparoscope and be responsible for the surgeon's view of the operative field and a lack of expertise in the assistant can add significant difficulties. The EndoAssist is a robotic device that replaces the human assistant and ensures steady visualisation of the operative field and a view which can be controlled by the surgeon. This study describes its use in the introduction of laparoscopic colorectal surgery to a unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The EndoAssist was employed for the introduction of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in a unit with previous experience of this device for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It was used in a consecutive series of 77 laparoscopic colectomy operations. RESULTS: The robotic device proved successful in the whole range of colorectal operations and a reliable assistant. No problems specific to the device were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: The EndoAssist robot is a useful laparoscopic assistant and aided in the introduction of laparoscopic colorectal surgery.