Robotic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery: the way forward.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: LaparoEndoscopic Single-Site (LESS) surgery presents many technical and ergonomic obstacles. The solution to these current limitations may lie within emerging technologies, primarily the daVinci robotic platform. The purpose of this review was to examine the available literature as it pertains to robotic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (R-LESS) and detail our experience with this approach at our institution. METHODS: An electronic literature search was conducted using the Medline database to identify all publications relating to R-LESS and/Mor robotic single port surgery in urology. Additionally, a retrospective review of our single center experience was completed. RESULTS: Fifteen original articles and two abstracts were identified in the literature and included dry lab investigation, animal experiments, single case reports, cumulative series, and two retrospective comparative analyses. Most detailed technique, perioperative outcomes, and associated procedural nuances. CONCLUSIONS: R-LESS urologic surgery is feasible and can be performed using several approaches. R-LESS reduces difficulties encountered with conventional LESS urologic surgery. An ideal robotic system is needed and would be task specific, deployable through a single incision, possess articulating instruments, and have reduced external housings.