Prostatic resection: an example of safe robotic surgery

Abstract

A special-purpose robot for prostatectomies has been developed. Details of the robot mechanism, control system and human/computer interface (HCI) are discussed with special emphasis on software methods to ensure system safety. The clinical application of the system is described and software requirements for operating-theatre use are indicated. These requirements include safe error recovery, facilitation of reliable surgical procedures, and an effective HCI.