Ultrasound-Guided Navigation in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

In the researchers' words

A new solution for guiding the surgeon in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) is image-guided navigation using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). A TRUS-guided intraoperative navigation system using a robotic ultrasound probe manipulator (TRUS Robot) has been developed. The proposed research is a pilot clinical trial of the TRUS Robot and three-dimensional (3-D) navigation software to test its image-guidance ability of helping the surgeon during RALP. This is a dual robot approach, a Tandem-RALP (T-RALP). The TRUS Robot allows a steady holding as well as remote manipulation of the TRUS probe. In addition, the TRUS Robot can track the accurate position of TRUS probe which allows 3-D reconstruction of the images. While the intraoperative TRUS findings will not be used in surgical decision making in this trial, the use of TRUS imaging during radical prostatectomy can potentially improve the visualization of the NVB and subsequently improve postoperative recovery of potency in men. In addition, the 3-D reconstruction images of the prostate gland can potentially provide clear and accurate guidance of surgical landmarks to the surgeon..