Robotic instrumentation: Evolution and microsurgical applications

• Main Authors: Sijo J Parekattil, Michael E Moran
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2010-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Urology
• Subjects: Evolution; history; instrumentation; microsurgery robotic
• Online Access: http://www.indianjurol.com/article.asp?issn=0970-1591;year=2010;volume=26;issue=3;spage=395;epage=403;aulast=Parekattil

This article presents a review of the history and evolution of robotic instrumentation and its applications in urology. A timeline for the evolution of robotic instrumentation is presented to better facilitate an understanding of our current-day applications. Some new directions including robotic microsurgical applications (robotic assisted denervation of the spermatic cord for chronic orchialgia and robotic assisted vasectomy reversal) are presented. There is a paucity of prospective comparative effectiveness studies for a number of robotic applications. However, right or wrong, human nature has always led to our infatuation with the concept of using tools to meet our needs. This chapter is a brief tribute to where we have come from and where we may be potentially heading in the field of robotic assisted urologic surgery.