First experience using a novel microsurgical robotic device for free flap surgery in cranio- and maxillofacial surgery

Many surgical fields profit from robotic support devices. After the first case reports about the use of a special microsurgical roboter (Symani Sugrical System, Medical Microinstruments, Pisa, Italy) we evaluated the potential of such a device in cranio- and maxillofacial surgery in a world's first single-center case series. This novel piece of equipment is meant to assist the surgeon anastomosing small vessels, nerves and lymphatic vessels. In total 30 free flaps were performed and compared to another 30 conventionally anastomosed free flaps. In total 127 anastomoses were surveyed. We encountered a lot of potential for robotic supported operations in the field of cranio- and maxillofacial surgery. However, the surgery time for robotic supported anastomosis with an average time of 32.5 min to perform arterial anastomosis was significant longer than the conventional ones, which needed 11.8 min on average. Tremor Filter and Motion Scaling are promising features for future microsurgery but the grip of the microinstruments has to be improved. It remains to be seen if the potential will be validated after the upcoming learning period and if robotic support devices will prevail in cranio- and maxillofacial surgery.