Robotics in Neuroendoscopy

Robotics is routinely used in several surgical fields. Different robots have been applied in neurosurgery, but only a few of them are relevant to neuroendoscopy. This chapter provides an overview of robotics applied to the different fields of cranial neuroendoscopy. It describes the advantages and disadvantages of reported preclinical prototypes and reviews the few clinical studies that have described robotics as applied to neuroendoscopic cranial surgery. Robotics in neurosurgical practice is a growing field of interest. As it stands, more research is needed to develop systems that are conceived specifically for cranial neuroendoscopy. Further preclinical and clinical studies are required to evaluate the benefits and limits of current commercially available systems.