New Endoluminal platforms and advancements in technology: Should Gastroenterologists or Surgeons pave the way?

Abstract

Nowadays, endoscopy has achieved amazing results in the treatment of benign and malignant pathologies, but it has yet to establish itself fully in the sense of an operative endoscopy. It is commonly believed that traditional endoscopy has reached its limits due to the intrinsic characteristics of existing platforms. Numerous robotic endoluminal platforms have been developed to overcome limitations in recent years. Existing robotic endoluminal platforms can be divided into three categories: fully robotic flexible endoscopic, robotic add-on systems, and traditional surgery-based platforms. These platforms are incredible pieces of technology, but in reality, they can only be considered a bridge to a genuinely robotic surgical system. Nowadays, both gastroenterologists and surgeons perform endoscopic procedures all over the world. We believe these platforms, leading to increased manipulation possibilities, may require an increasingly excellent knowledge of surgical techniques to develop their potential fully. Surgeons' unique training and experience push surgeons to take the lead in endoscopic operations over gastroenterologists due to the potential advantages in surgical precision and patient outcomes. However, gastroenterologists deeply understand gastrointestinal disorders and a collaborative effort between them and surgeons can lead to an efficient approach to endoscopic surgery.