Title: Future of Flexible Robotic Endoscopy Systems,
Abstract: Robotics enables a variety of unconventional actuation strategies to be used
for endoscopes, resulting in reduced trauma to the GI tract. For transmission
of force to distally mounted endoscopic instruments, robotically actuated
tendon sheath mechanisms are the current state of the art. Robotics in surgical
endoscopy enables an ergonomic mapping of the surgeon movements to remotely
controlled slave arms, facilitating tissue manipulation. The learning curve for
difficult procedures such as endoscopic submucosal dissection and
full-thickness resection can be significantly reduced. Improved surgical
outcomes are also observed from clinical and pre-clinical trials. The
technology behind master-slave surgical robotics will continue to mature, with
the addition of position and force sensors enabling better control and tactile
feedback. More robotic assisted GI luminal and NOTES surgeries are expected to
be conducted in future, and gastroenterologists will have a key collaborative
role to play.