[Robotic visualization system-assisted microsurgical reconstruction of the reproductive tract in male rats]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficiency of robotic visualization system (RVS)-assisted microsurgical reconstruction of the reproductive tract in male rats and the satisfaction of the surgeons.

Methods: We randomly divided 8 adult male SD rats into an experimental and a control group, the former treated by RVS-assisted microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (VE) or vasovasostomy (VV), and the latter by VE or VV under the standard operating microscope (SOM). We compared the operation time, mechanical patency and anastomosis leakage immediately after surgery, and the surgeons' satisfaction between the two groups.

Results: No statistically significant difference was observed the operation time between the experimental and the control groups, and no anastomosis leakage occurred after VV in either group. The rate of mechanical patency immediately after surgery was 100% in both groups, and that of anastomosis leakage after VE was 16.7% in the experimental group and 14.3% in the control. Compared with the control group, the experimental group achieved dramatically higher scores on visual comfort (3.00±0.76 vs 4.00±0.53, P < 0.05), neck/back comfort (2.75±1.16 vs 4.38±1.06, P < 0.01) and man-machine interaction (3.88±1.55 vs 4.88±0.35, P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the scores on image definition and operating room suitability between the two groups.

Conclusion: RVS can be used in microsurgical reconstruction of the reproductive tract in male rats and, with its advantages over SOM in ergonomic design and image definition, has a potential application value in male reproductive system micosurgery.

Keywords: robotic visualization system; operating microscope; vasovasostomy; vasoepididymostomy.