Image analysis of endoscopic camera steering: robotic versus human controlled : a phantom study

With the introduction of endoscopic surgery, patient healthcare changed significantly. The main improvement of laparoscopic operations compared to open surgery is better patient outcome. However, it is important to understand the added burden laparoscopic surgery brings to the surgeon and his/her assistant. To overcome this burden, multiple robotic innovations were introduced, such as active robotic camera holders. Multiple active holders are available for quite some time; however, all interrupt the flow of the operation. This study focuses on one new active camera holder; the AutoLap. The AutoLap can be either controlled by a joystick or by a unique image analysing software function called go-to mode. The main question of this thesis: “Is the go-to mode the long-sought solution for active camera steering, utilising the advantages of robotics without disturbing the flow of the operation?”