Doctors at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans have reported the first use of a surgical robot guided by an endoscope. The robot was used to remove a 20 millimeter salivary stone from a patient. Suing the surgical robot will save the salivary gland and reduce blood loss, scarring, and hospital stay. Many factors, such as a small mouth or obesity, made removing a salivary stone very difficult. The endoscope attached to the robot improves the doctor's view of the surgical area through a two-dimensional view. The robotic unit produces three dimensional images, further improving the view. The size and dexterity of the robot allows it to avoid vital structures while taking out the stone.
Minimally invasive, robotic surgery is a highly popular method of surgery, because it does not cause as much of the pain associated with regular surgery. The endoscope guided robotic surgeon is able to remove a salivary stone without damaging the gland. Before, the neck would have been cut open and the whole gland taken out. The new way is much less painful and the patient does not need to suffer any ill effects from the surgery, such as losing a salivary gland. This new development will certainly be useful and save a number of people much pain.
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