Full robotic assistance for laparoscopic tubal anastomosis: a case report

Abstract

Optical magnification and long instrumentation significantly increase surgical tremor, which makes laparoscopic microsuturing difficult. Therefore, laparoscopic tubal anastomosis has not gained wide acceptance among gynecologic surgeons. Robotic assistance facilitates this type of procedure by filtering tremor, reducing the surgeon's fatigue, and scaling the maneuvers. The authors have successfully completed a case of laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis using a "master-slave" robot to perform the standard microsuturing technique. A 33-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 2, requested reversal of her previous tubal ligature. A right isthmic-isthmic tubal anastomosis was performed laparoscopically, with faithful adherence to the authors' standard technique applied at laparotomy. Full robotic assistance was used to anastomose the tube. A chromotubation test showed anastomotic patency without leak. The patient recovered uneventfully after surgery and was discharged within 24 h after the procedure. Laparoscopic microsurgical tubal anastomosis with full robotic assistance is feasible and safe in humans.