A New Robot for Flexible Ureteroscopy: Development and Early Clinical Results (IDEAL Stage 1–2b)

Abstract Background An improved armamentarium has had a significant impact on the emerging role of flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) for the management of nephrolithiasis; however, FURS still represents a challenging technique. Objective To examine a robotic device designed for FURS for its impact on ergonomics and outcome of the procedure based on the IDEAL (idea, development, evaluation, assessment, long-term study) framework. Design, setting, and participants Roboflex Avicenna consists of a surgeon's console and a manipulator for the flexible ureterorenoscope. Following experimental evaluation of the prototype (IDEAL stage 1) and receipt of ethical approval, seven surgeons treated 81 patients (mean age: 42 yr [range: 6–68]) with renal calculi (mean volume: 1296 ± 544 mm3 [range: 432–3100 mm3 ]) in an observational study (IDEAL stage 2). Surgical procedure Robotic FURS was performed with the Roboflex Avicenna robotic device. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Numerical data were analysed with the Mann-Whitney test, and categorical variables were analysed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact test. P values