Robotic endoscopy. A review of the literature

Abstract Purpose To present new endoscopic robotic devices in the context of minimally invasive procedures with high precision and automation. Methods Review of the literature by December 2018 on robotic endoscopy. Results We present the studies and investments for robotic implementation and flexible endoscopy evolution. We divided them into forceps manipulation platforms, active endoscopy and endoscopic capsule. They try to improve forceps handling and stability and to promote active movement. Conclusion The implementation and propagation of robotic models depend on doing what the endoscopist is unable to. The new devices are moving forward in this direction.

Endoscopic gastric submucosal dissection: experimental comparative protocol between standard technique and Hybrid-Knife(r) / Dissecção endoscópica submucosa gástrica: protocolo experimental comparativo entre a técnica convencional e o Hybrid-Knife(r)

ABSTRACT Background Endoscopic treatment of superficial gastrointestinal tumors is routinely performed, however the advantages and shortcomings of submucosal pressure-jet dissection is still debated. Objective - Aiming to compare this technique with conventional submucosal dissection, a study was designed in pigs. Methods - Areas of the antral mucosa of the stomach with a diameter of 2 cm2 (6 per animal) were marked, and resected by means of the hybrid-knife (experimental technique), and Flush-knife or IT-knife (controls). An ERBE ICC 300 electrosurgical unit was adopted. End-points were procedural time, complications, and quality of the resected specimen. Results - A total of 27 interventions were conducted in five animals. Time spent with the two options was quite short, and similar: 9.5±3.1 vs 8.0±3.0 minutes (P=0.21). Complications didn't differ (three per group, not significant), and removed specimen looked adequate in both circumstances. Conclusion - The hybrid-knife technique is an acceptable alternative to submucosal dissection, showing no difference compared to the standard technique taking into consideration the procedure, the presence of complications and the quality of the resected specimen.

RESUMO Contexto O tratamento endoscópico de tumores gastrointestinais superficiais é realizado rotineiramente, no entanto as vantagens e deficiências da dissecção submucosa com jato de pressão ainda é debatido. Objetivo - Visando comparar esta técnica com dissecção submucosa convencional, um estudo foi realizado em suínos. Métodos - Áreas da mucosa antral do estômago com um diâmetro de 2 cm2 (um total de 6 por animal) foram marcadas, e a ressecção através do hybrid-knife (técnica experimental), e do Flush-knife ou IT-knife (controles). Uma unidade eletro cirúrgica ERBE ICC 300 foi adotada. Os desfechos foram: tempo do procedimento, complicações e qualidade da amostra ressecada. Resultados - Um total de 27 intervenções foram realizadas em cinco animais. O tempo gasto com as duas técnicas foi curto e semelhante: 9,5±3,1 vs 8,0±3,0 minutos (P=0,21). As complicações não diferiram (três por grupo, não significativas), e amostras retiradas foram adequadas em ambas as circunstâncias. Conclusão - A técnica de hybrid-knife é uma alternativa aceitável para dissecção submucosa, demonstrando não haver diferença em comparação à técnica convencional levando em consideração o tempo de procedimento, a presença de complicações e a qualidade da amostra ressecada.