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Asian Journal of Andrology (2013) 15, 67β74; doi:10.1038/aja.2012.131; published online 17 December 2012
Robotic assisted andrological surgery
Sijo J Parekattil and Ahmet Gudeloglu
Department of Robotics & Urology, Winter Haven Hospital & University of Florida, Robotics Institute & Center for Urology, Winter Haven, Fl 33881, USA
Correspondence: Dr SJ Parekattil, (sijo.parekattil@winterhavenhospital.org)
Received 20 August 2012; Revised 15 October 2012; Accepted 17 October 2012
Advance online publication 17 December 2012
| Abstract |
The introduction of the operative microscope for andrological surgery in the 1970s provided enhanced magnification and accuracy, unparalleled to any previous visual loop or magnification techniques. This technology revolutionized techniques for microsurgery in andrology. Today, we may be on the verge of a second such revolution by the incorporation of robotic assisted platforms for microsurgery in andrology. Robotic assisted microsurgery is being utilized to a greater degree in andrology and a number of other microsurgical fields, such as ophthalmology, hand surgery, plastics and reconstructive surgery. The potential advantages of robotic assisted platforms include elimination of tremor, improved stability, surgeon ergonomics, scalability of motion, multi-input visual interphases with up to three simultaneous visual views, enhanced magnification, and the ability to manipulate three surgical instruments and cameras simultaneously. This review paper begins with the historical development of robotic microsurgery. It then provides an in-depth presentation of the technique and outcomes of common robotic microsurgical andrological procedures, such as vasectomy reversal, subinguinal varicocelectomy, targeted spermatic cord denervation (for chronic orchialgia) and robotic assisted microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (microTESE).
Keywords: andrological surgery; male infertility; microsurgery; robotics; robotic assisted microsurgery; robotic vasectomy reversal; vasectomy reversal |
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