Robot-assisted flexible ureteroscopy: an update.

The role of flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) in the management of nephrolithiasis has increased due to the improved armamentarium. However, FURS still represents a challenging technique limiting its diffusion. Similar to previous experiences in laparoscopy, recently developed robotic devices may significantly compensate for the ergonomic deficiencies of FURS. Based on a short description of the history of robotic devices for laparoscopy, this article summarizes all current developments of robotic FURS. In 2008, robotic FURS was first reported using the Sensei-Magellan system designed for interventional cardiology. However, with this device the ureteroscope was only passively manipulated, which represented the main reason why this project has been discontinued after 18 clinical cases. Avicenna Roboflex™ was especially developed for FURS. It consists of a surgeon's console and manipulator of a flexible ureterorenoscope. The console provides an adjustable seat with armrests and two manipulators of the endoscope: the right wheel enables deflection and the left horizontal joystick allows rotation as well as advancing and retracting the instrument. The speed of rotation and advancement can be regulated at the screen of the console. Using the IDEAL system for evaluation of new robotic devices, safety and efficacy of the system could be demonstrated in two multi-centric studies providing significant improved ergonomics for the surgeon (IDEAL stage 1 and 2). Future studies are necessary to determine the final role of robotic FURS.

Robotic Flexible Ureteroscopy Versus Classic Flexible Ureteroscopy in Renal Stones: the Initial Romanian Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Roboflex Avicenna represents a new device for flexible ureteroscopy, able to provide an efficient lithotripsy for renal calculi, Bucharest being the fourth place in the world where such a device is already in use. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was prospective and included a number of 132 patients equally randomized which underwent standard flexible ureteroscopy and robotic flexible ureteroscopy for renal calculi between July and February 2016. All the procedures were performed with aStorz XC flexible ureteroscope in association with Avicenna Roboflex. Stone fragmentation was performed using a Dornier Medilas 20H, Holmium Laser of 20 watt power and 2.1 µm wavelength. RESULTS: The mean age was 48 years (range 26-77 years) and the mean stone size was 2.1 cm (range 1.1-3.6 cm) for the first group (FURS), while for the second one (robotic FURS) the mean age was 51 years (range 25-74 years) and the mean stone size was 2.4 cm (range 1.0-3.7 cm). The fragmentation time of the stones was better for robotic FURS (37 min versus 39 min). After 3 months, the stone free rate was 89.4% versus 92.4%, that representing a performance of the robotic technique over the classical one. In some cases were noticed residual fragments smaller than 3 mm, in 13.6% of patients who underwent FURS, respectively in 12.1% of robotic FURS™ cases. CONCLUSIONS: The robotic treatment of kidney stones represents a comparative alternative to flexible ureteroscopy, with overall similar outcomes.

A new robot for flexible ureteroscopy: development and early clinical results (IDEAL stage 1-2b).

BACKGROUND: An improved armamentarium has had a significant impact on the emerging role of flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) for the management of nephrolithiasis; however, FURS still represents a challenging technique. OBJECTIVE: To examine a robotic device designed for FURS for its impact on ergonomics and outcome of the procedure based on the IDEAL (idea, development, evaluation, assessment, long-term study) framework. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Roboflex Avicenna consists of a surgeon's console and a manipulator for the flexible ureterorenoscope. Following experimental evaluation of the prototype (IDEAL stage 1) and receipt of ethical approval, seven surgeons treated 81 patients (mean age: 42 yr [range: 6-68]) with renal calculi (mean volume: 1296±544 mm(3) [range: 432-3100 mm3]) in an observational study (IDEAL stage 2). SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Robotic FURS was performed with the Roboflex Avicenna robotic device. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Numerical data were analysed with the Mann-Whitney test, and categorical variables were analysed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact test. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Mean robot docking time was 59.6±45 s. Mean operative time was 74min (range: 40-182). Mean fragmentation speed was 29.1±6.1 mm3/min. Ergonomics based on a validated questionnaire showed significant advantage for robotic FURS (total score: 5.6 vs 31.3; p<0.01). A 10/12F-access sheath was used in 72 patients. Two cases required secondary FURS, one because of malfunction of the flexible digital ureteroscope and another because of larger residual fragments. In the remaining 79 cases, complete stone disintegration was accomplished. CONCLUSIONS: Roboflex Avicenna provides a suitable and safe platform for robotic FURS with significant improvement of ergonomics. Future studies should evaluate its impact on the clinical outcome of FURS. PATIENT SUMMARY: Robotic flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) was performed with the Roboflex Avicenna robotic device. Results showed that Roboflex Avicenna provides a suitable and safe platform for robotic FURS with significant improvement of ergonomics.