Robotic Surgery Improves Technical Performance and Enhances Prefrontal Activation During High Temporal Demand

• DOI: 10.1007/s10439-018-2049-z
• Publication Date: 2018-06-04T16:46:43Z
• Authors: Harsimrat Singh; Hemel N. Modi; Samriddha Ranjan; James W. R. Dilley; Dimitrios Airantzis; Guang-Zhong Yang; Ara Darzi; Daniel R. Leff
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Technology; CORTEX; NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY; Biomedical; Surgical skills; 0206 medical engineering; Biomedical Engineering; 610; Prefrontal Cortex; Neuroimaging; Brain function; 02 engineering and technology; Stress; 09 Engineering; 03 medical and health sciences; Engineering; STANDARD; 0302 clinical medicine; Robotic Surgical Procedures; 617; Humans; Attention; BRAIN; Engineering, Biomedical; 11 Medical and Health Sciences; Science & Technology; HUMANS; Cognitive workload; Medical Robotics; Brain Waves; NERVOUS-SYSTEM; FNIRS; WORKLOAD; SKILLS; TASK; Suturing; Female; Laparoscopy

Robotic surgery may improve technical performance and reduce mental demands compared to laparoscopic surgery. However, no studies have directly the impact of robotic techniques on surgeons' brain function. This study aimed assess effect operative platform (robotic or conventional laparoscopy) prefrontal cortical activation during a suturing task performed under temporal demand. Eight surgeons (mean age ± SD = 34.5 2.9 years, male:female ratio 7:1) an intracorporeal in self-paced manner 2 min time restriction using techniques. Prefrontal was assessed near-infrared spectroscopy, subjective workload captured SURG-TLX questionnaires, continuous heart rate monitor measured systemic stress responses. Task progression scores (au), error leak volumes (mL) knot tensile strengths (N) provided objective assessment performance. Under pressure, led improved (median score: 4.5 vs. 5.0; z - 2.107, p 0.035; median 3.0 mm 2.1 mm; 2.488, 0.013). Compared suturing, greater identified seven channels located primarily lateral regions. These results suggest that improves high conditions is associated with enhanced regions attention, concentration engagement.