Development of therapeutic digestive endoscopy robots: a narrative review

TL;DR

This paper reviews the use of robotics in endoscopic submucosal dissection, highlighting their potential and challenges in improving medical procedures.

Contribution

The paper provides a narrative review of 9 robotic systems for ESD, summarizing their principles, techniques, and limitations.

Findings

21 studies on robotic systems for ESD were identified and categorized into one-type and integrated endoscopic robots.

Key challenges include improving robotic arm accuracy, reducing costs, and expanding applications.

Interdisciplinary cooperation is needed to advance robotics in ESD.

Abstract

With the continuous development of science and technology, robotics technology has gradually penetrated into various fields of application. In medicine, it is widely used in surgery to improve procedural accuracy and patient safety.

This paper aims to explore the application of robotics in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and to summarize the principles, techniques, advantages, and limitations of robot-assisted procedures.

A comprehensive search of the PubMed database and was conducted since the database inception until March 2024. We performed the search using subject headings and key words to obtain relevant articles focused on the application of robotic systems in ESD.

A total of 21 studies describing 9 robotic systems were found eligible. The systems were categorized into one-type endoscopic robots and integrated endoscopic robots, and individual systems were reviewed and compared in a narrative form.

Robotics technology has essential application value and development potential in ESD. Improving the accuracy and stability of the robotic arm, reducing its cost, and broadening its applica tion are the key challenges faced by this continuously advancing technology. It is necessary to further strengthen technology research, development, innovation, and interdisciplinary cooperation to promote the use and advancement of robotics technology in ESD.

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