Telerobotic foregut and esophageal surgery.

Computer-assisted telerobotic surgery has many potential advantages over standard laparoscopy in foregut and esophageal surgery. The high-definition, three-dimensional images produced by the optics of these systems can facilitate identification of anatomy and dissection during surgery. The full range of motion afforded by the multiarticulated instruments can be beneficial in completing complex laparoscopic tasks such as suturing and intracorporeal knot tying. Tremor filtration and motion scaling allows for more precise movements during surgery. The remote console provides the operating surgeon with a comfortable ergonomic position during the sometimes long and complex procedures. Despite the many advantages of these systems, however, several limitations still exist. It is expected that the development and refinement of these technologies will address many of these issues. With continued progress, it is likely that this technology will disseminate widely throughout the surgical community.