The future of surgery: Children's University explains surgical robots for young researchers!

The future of surgery: Children's University explains surgical robots for young researchers!

At the next children's university in Münster, private lecturer Dr. Jens Peter Hölzen will present the special functionality of surgical robots on March 14th from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. in lecture hall H 3 (Schlossplatz 46). This event is aimed at school children in third to seventh grade and offers a child-friendly explanation of complex scientific topics. Those interested must register by March 13th at 10 a.m. The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 190 children. In addition to the lecture, it will also be broadcast live via video.

Surgical robots allow surgeons to perform movements with millimeter precision and access areas invisible to the human eye. The robots are controlled from a special console, supported by anesthetists and nurses. The aim of the technology is to implement gentler procedures that are associated with less pain and a faster recovery for patients. uni-muenster.de reports on how this innovative technique is used in modern surgery.

Breakthrough in microsurgery

A team led by private lecturer Dr. Maximilian Kückelhaus and Prof. Dr. Tobias Hirsch from WWU Münster has made a significant step in microsurgical surgery. They performed the first fully robotic microsurgical procedures on humans. This innovative surgical method combines a new type of surgical robot with a robotic microscope and enables the surgeon to be completely decoupled from the operating field.

Five successful operations have already been carried out in the past two months, with further procedures planned. This advanced technique allows for more precise and delicate operations, resulting in less tissue damage and faster recovery. For example, the new procedures are used for breast cancer patients and tissue transplants after accidents. The Symani Surgical System used captures human hand movements and executes them at a reduction of up to 20 times. A robotic microscope from BHS Technologies displays the surgical field via a 3D augmented reality headset. This technological development not only improves the surgeon's posture, but also reduces fatigue and increases concentration during the procedure. Further data on surgical quality and ergonomics will be collected in the coming weeks. Funding for this promising treatment comes from the EU initiative “Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe” (ReACT). Further details are on medizin.uni-muenster.de to find.

Child-specific robotics in the operating room

In November 2022, the first pediatric surgical center for robot-assisted surgery was opened at Dr. founded by Haunerschen Children's Hospital and officially opened in January 2023. This center is unique in Germany and specializes in pediatric surgical care. Robot-assisted procedures are available around the clock and are carried out in collaboration with Asensus and the Senhance® Surgical System. This robotic system is the only one in the world that allows the use of 3 mm instruments.

The robot-assisted procedures are carried out on patients as young as one year old and weighing 10 kg and cover all areas of pediatric surgery. This is further evidence of the innovation in surgery that is improving the lives of not only adults but children as well. For more information visit lmu-klinikum.de.