2024-11-02 10:49:00
For the first time in Italy and in the world on November 5th at San Michele di Maddaloni nursing home (Caserta) will be used on Symani robot for head and neck surgery in the oncology field. The event, which is an absolute first in the field of microscopic robotics, will see the participation of experts of international standing, both in person and via video connection. The operation will be aimed at freeing the facial nerve of a patient with a parotid tumorsalivary gland which is increasingly affected by neoplasia. Behind this multidisciplinary and cutting-edge event is the vision and intuition of Vito Del Deoresponsible for maxillofacial surgery at the San Michele nursing home, professor of head and neck clinical anatomy at the degree course in Medicine in English at the Catholic University of Rome and professor of head and neck clinical anatomy at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Maryland in the USA.
“Prominent personalities from European specialist surgery will participate – Salute Del Deo tells Adnkronos – such as Professor Henning Wieker of the University of Kiel (Germany), considered one of the greatest expert users in Europe and in the world of Symani, with reconstructive purposes in the maxillofacial oncology field; always in attendance will be colleagues from the Specialization Schools of Maxillofacial Surgery, Professor Gianpaolo Tartaro of the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Professor Giovanni Dell’Aversana Orabona of the Federico II University of Naples, professor Pasquale Piombino of the Aco of Caserta, Professor Mattia Todaro for the Catholic University of Rome. In live connection Professor Asit Arora, leader of robotic ENT/head and neck surgery in the United Kingdom from Guy’s and St.Thomas University Hospital. of London, Professor Alessandro Moro and Giulio Gasparini of the Specialization School of Maxillofacial Surgery of the Catholic University of Rome, Professor Valentino Valentini of the Specialization School of Maxillofacial Surgery of the Sapienza University of Rome and Stefano Paulli of the Maxillofacial Surgery of Legnano ( Me)”.
“This event – continues Del Deo – focuses on the potential of robotic surgery with a microsurgical application, not to be confused with the minimally invasive approach. In fact, the term ’microsurgical’ indicates the execution of a method in ultra-amplified vision with the intention of reduce the risks of injury, related to surgical manipulation, of tissues and anatomical structures, while the term “minimally invasive” indicates the execution of a surgical incision reduced to a minimum”.
The Symani robot will be used, a robotic system for microsurgery ‘made in Italy’, given that the Mmi company was founded in Pisa where the headquarters and the research and development laboratory are still present. “Symani, to date, is the only robotic system in the micro-surgical field capable of optimizing the surgeon’s ability to manipulate very small and delicate anatomical structures for reconstructive and resective purposes - recalls Del Deo – The Symani robot placed on the operating table , receives control from the operating surgeon from a console composed of a pilot chair equipped with electromagnetic control and a three-dimensional visual magnification system composed of a 55-inch screen which receives images from the operating field obtained from an ‘Orbye – Olympus exoscope ‘ augmented reality. The surgeon, the assistant and the surgeon, equipped with special polarized glasses, can thus view the smallest details amplified 36 times on the screen and use micro-instrument
“Today Symani is used in 15 hospital facilities in Europe and 4 in Italy, but we will be the first in Italy to use it in head and neck oncological surgery – specifies Del Deo – with the aim of freeing the facial nerve from the tumor of the parotid gland, minimizing the surgical insult to the nerve itself, optimizing and speeding up the functional recovery of facial expressions. We will highlight the potential of Symani in the blunt dissection methodusing robotically assisted microscopic instruments instead of classic macroscopic instruments. TOToday, the ordinary application of Symani is already recognized and established in reconstructive surgery for the execution of microvascular anastomoses (connections between very small arteries and veins) for the transfer of flaps (tissues to be transferred and transplanted to reconstruct removed areas) but we intend to demonstrate that the Symani can also be used in dissection methods”.
How did the idea of using it in head and neck oncological surgery come about? “I had the intuition during my first simulation experience with the Symani at the ABMedica simulation center in Milan – replies Del Deo - On that occasion, observing the range of micromovements that the microscopic instruments could carry out by varying their direction as if they were the classic instruments ordinarily used for blunt dissection, I developed a vision of the effective and real ability of the system in dissecting mode. The thing that most excited me and pushed me to want to explore the possible evolutions of this robotic system was the immediate collimation with the German colleague Wieker on the vision of the type of intervention in which the real dissecting capacity of the Symani could ideally be expressed. Even more exciting was learning directly from the Mmi company, and after theirs confirmation of the reasons for my enthusiasm shared with my colleague Wieker, that this ‘vision’ would soon become reality as the dedicated instrumentation to perform microdissection maneuvers, with properly cutting instruments, was in the conception and development phase; therefore unconsciously, my colleague Wieker and I were already, with our vision, following what the Symani would be capable of performing in the near future. The objective – he warns - is to highlight the multivalent functional capabilities of the Symani, which will finally be able to express, for the benefit of the patient, 360 degree surgical ability with microreconstructive and microdissective applications with optimal respect for the most noble anatomical structures”.
The Casa di Cura San Michele is an affiliated facility with hospital status for three years in the regional oncology network also for the surgical treatment of oncological diseases of the facial, oral cavity and neck areas. “We are proud to be part of the Oncology network, an important step to guarantee increasingly effective and humane care for patients – states the president of the Structure, doctor Crescenzo Barletta – We can certainly express, with pride, our satisfaction for the contribution we make in ‘reduction of waiting lists, because every patient, especially if oncology, deserves timely and quality treatments’.
“Every day we work to ensure that patients receive the care they need, when they need it - states the medical director, Dr. Luisa Caliendo – the quality of care and the attention dedicated to each individual case has made our structure a point also a point of reference for patients coming from outside the Region. In our medical teams we can include highly experienced doctors such as Vito Del Deo, who has worked with us for almost 20 years and who has brought with him competence and a humanistic approach to patient care, learned during the years of high-level professional training carried out both in United Kingdom than in the USA. Today, with this very innovative intervention, Professor Del Deo has made us an active part of a new and extraordinary goal that opens a new path to the future of robotic surgery.”
of the tissues and structures under the control of the instrument robotic – concludes Del Deo – Thinking about how the coupling between robotic systems and artificial intelligence is expected to happen in the near future, I invite you to reflect that artificial intelligence is devoid of consciousness, a fundamental element of which only man is equipped, and therefore let us remember that we doctors do not only act according to science, but also according to conscience”.
Conversation Between Time.news Editor and Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning! I came across an exciting article about a groundbreaking surgery scheduled for November 5th at the San Michele di Maddaloni nursing home in Italy. It seems that for the first time in the world, the Symani robot will be utilized for head and neck surgery in oncology. Can you provide more insights into the significance of this event?
Expert: Good morning! Indeed, this event represents a major milestone not just for Italy but for global medical practices. The use of the Symani robot in head and neck oncology surgery emphasizes the increasing role of robotic technology in delicate surgical procedures. This particular surgery aims to address a parotid tumor while minimizing risks to the facial nerve, showcasing the robot’s advanced capabilities.
Time.news Editor: What makes the Symani robot particularly suited for microsurgery in this context?
Expert: The Symani robot is designed for microsurgery and is the only system currently optimized for manipulating very small and delicate anatomical structures. Unlike traditional robotic surgery systems that might focus on larger-scale procedures, Symani enhances the surgeon’s ability to achieve precise movements with tailored instrumentation, providing a significant advantage in surgeries like those targeting the head and neck.
Time.news Editor: I noticed that the event will feature numerous prominent experts both in attendance and via live connection. How important is this collaborative aspect in surgical advancements?
Expert: Collaboration in surgical advancements is crucial. It brings together diverse expertise, encourages knowledge sharing, and helps in refining techniques. The presence of esteemed professionals like Professor Henning Wieker and Dr. Asit Arora illustrates the collective effort to explore the full potential of robotic applications in complex surgeries. Their insights and experiences can significantly enhance the procedure’s success and pave the way for future innovations.
Time.news Editor: The article mentions the difference between “microsurgical” and “minimally invasive” approaches. Could you explain this distinction?
Expert: Absolutely! The term “microsurgical” refers specifically to techniques that involve ultra-amplified vision and allow surgeons to perform intricate maneuvers with great precision, focusing on minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. In contrast, ”minimally invasive” refers generally to approaches that utilize smaller incisions, but not necessarily with the same microscopic detail. It’s important to highlight these differences as they cater to different aspects of surgical interventions.
Time.news Editor: What implications might this surgical innovation have for patient outcomes in head and neck oncology?
Expert: This innovation could significantly improve patient outcomes by minimizing surgical trauma, which often translates to quicker recovery times and reduced complications. The ability to precisely navigate around delicate anatomical structures, like the facial nerve, can enhance functional recovery and preserve critical facial movements post-surgery. Ultimately, the goal is to deliver more humane and effective care, which is particularly relevant in oncology settings.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for these valuable insights! The potential of the Symani robot seems promising, and the event on November 5th could set a new standard in oncological surgeries.
Expert: You’re very welcome! This development could indeed reshape the landscape of surgical oncology, and I’m excited to see the outcomes. It’s a pivotal moment for the medical community and an exciting time for advancements in patient care.