%0 Journal Article
%T Robot assisted adrenalectomy: a handy tool or glorified obsession?
%A Mrinal Pahwa
%J SCIE-indexed Journal
%D 2015
%X Surgical management of adrenal disorders, especially benign, has seen a paradigm change in the approach. According to the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1), 83% of adrenalectomies from 1998 through 2006 were performed by open approach. In 1992, Gagner et al. performed the first laparoscopic adrenalectomy for small adrenal tumor (2). Over the last decade though, laparoscopy has gained a foothold and established itself as the preferred modality of choice for adrenalectomy (3). It results in less blood loss, earlier ambulation, shorter hospital stay, and faster return to normal activity (4). The wide acceptance of the laparoscopic approach has been made possible due to increasing experience of the surgeons, advances in techniques and equipment and increased awareness among patients (5). Despite all these advantages, laparoscopy is not without its technical drawbacks. The use of nonarticulated instruments with ergonomically inadequate handle design coupled with working through fixed entry points limits the maneuverability of instruments while operating. Looking at the conventional flat two-dimensional image surgeon misses out on depth perception that makes dissection less precise. Heavy dependence of surgeon on the assistant to hold and move the camera in sync with his movements serves as a handicap to control the operating field (6,7). All these shortcomings require a lot of experience and dedicated teamwork to achieve proficiency and in overcoming the steep learning curve
%U http://gs.amegroups.com/article/view/6887/7722