Robotics in Colonoscopy

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in men and women in the United States. While there is a definite advantage regarding the use of colonoscopies in screening, there is still a lack of widespread acceptance of colonoscopy use in the general public. This is evident by the fact that up to 75% of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer present with locally advanced disease. In order to make colonoscopy and in turn colorectal cancer screening a patient friendly and a comfortable test some changes in tool are necessary. The conventional colonoscope has not changed much since its development. There are several new advances in colorectal screening practices. One of the most promising new advances is the advent of robotic endoscopic techniques.