Comparing the Operational Related Outcomes of a Robotic Camera Holder and its Human Counterpart in Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy: a Randomized Control Trial

Robotic camera holders have provided new prospects for more successful endoscopic surgeries. In this study we aimed to assess the operational subjective and objective outcomes of a newly developed camera holder, RoboLens, in comparison with a human camera holder, during laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. The study was performed as a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. Forty patients with single ovarian cyst were randomized to laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy with robotic (RoboLens) or human camera holder. Results indicated that the surgeons felt less fatigue (P=0.047) and surgeries concluded sooner (P=0.001) in robotic assisted groups. Also, the image quality during operation with robotic camera holder was either superior or equal to what obtained with human assistant. However, mastery of the difficult situations, which were defined after the commencement of study, was significantly poorer in robotic group (P=0.001). It was concluded that RoboLens, as a low cost robotic camera holder, is a safe, time and energy saving system which helps to obtain an improved vision from the surgery site.