Laparoscopic Ultralow Anterior Resection Using a New Articulating Device.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic surgery offers several advantages, but it can be challenging to perform in confined spaces, such as the narrow and deep pelvis, due to poor vision and instrument collisions. Conventional laparoscopic instruments are rigid and straight, which can restrict optimal access to the target organ. Although the use of robotic surgical platforms with flexible wrists has significantly reduced movement restrictions and surgeon fatigue, their high cost remains a barrier to widespread adoption. IMPACT OF INNOVATION Recent technological advancements in laparoscopic instruments have led to the development of an articulating flexible hand-held device that enables greater dexterity and easier access to difficult anatomical locations. This technology has the potential to improve surgical outcomes by using multiple degrees of freedom to perform complex surgical procedures with greater precision. TECHNOLOGY, MATERIALS, AND METHODS The ArtiSential® product line comprises over 30 end-effectors, such as scissors, hooks, and graspers. The benefits of this device are evident throughout the total mesorectal excision, especially when approaching the left lateral side of the mesorectum (the side opposite the surgeon) or the deepest part of the pelvis around the levator ani muscle. The Samsung Medical Center Institutional Review Board approved this study (2022-01-174). PRELIMINARY RESULTS A 79-year-old male with rectal cancer located 9 cm from the anal verge underwent an laparoscopic ultralow anterior resection using ArtiSential®. There were no intraoperative complications. The pathologic results showed that the tumor was at pT3N0 stage. The patient was discharged without any complications. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS The articulating device can be effectively used for laparoscopic surgery, but has some challenges related to the bulky handpiece and learning curve. A multicenter prospective cohort study to compare the outcomes of articulating laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery for patients with rectal cancer is oncoing (clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT05566249).