Background To evaluate feasibility and accuracy of a novel robotically driven magnetic capsule for colonoscopy. Despite colonoscopy represents the standard diagnostic tool for colorectal pathology, its undeniable discomfort reduces compliance to screening programs. Methods We developed an endoscopic capsule driven by robotic control, embedding magnets. The robotic platform includes a human machine interface and a robotic arm moving an external permanent magnet. Eleven experts and eleven trainees were asked to perform colonoscopy in a phantom model with ex vivo animal tracts resembling human anatomy. Along the colon, an undiscovered number of colored pins were anchored. Testers were asked to complete colonoscopy by capsule and conventional endoscopy. Data were compared for feasibility, overall accuracy to detect colored pins and time to complete the procedure. Wilcoxon test for paired data was used for statistical analysis. Results Complete colonoscopy was feasible in all cases with both techniques. The median overall accuracy in detecting pins was 85% in the capsule group, while 87% in the colonoscopy group (P = 0.080). Among experts, median accuracy was 71% in the capsule group, while 85% in the colonoscopy group (P = 0.029). Trainees’ median accuracy was 88% in both groups. Trainees’ median accuracy in the capsule group was higher than experts’ median accuracy in the colonoscopy group (88% vs. 85%, P = 0.241). Overall time to complete colonoscopy was 556 ± 188 s. vs. 194 ± 158 s. respectively (P = 0.0001), 578 ± 216 s. vs. 77 ± 34 s. in the experts’ group (P = 0.0001) and 535 ± 163 s. vs. 311 ± 145 s. in the trainees’ group (P = 0.0028). Conclusions The results analysis demonstrates that the use of the novel robotically driven capsule for colonoscopy in ex vivo model is feasible and it allows adequate accuracy with no need for learning curve nor endoscopic expertise.
Experimental assessment of a novel robotically driven endoscopic capsule for colonoscopy: a comparative study
AREZZO, Alberto;MORINO, Mario
2011-01-01
Abstract
Background To evaluate feasibility and accuracy of a novel robotically driven magnetic capsule for colonoscopy. Despite colonoscopy represents the standard diagnostic tool for colorectal pathology, its undeniable discomfort reduces compliance to screening programs. Methods We developed an endoscopic capsule driven by robotic control, embedding magnets. The robotic platform includes a human machine interface and a robotic arm moving an external permanent magnet. Eleven experts and eleven trainees were asked to perform colonoscopy in a phantom model with ex vivo animal tracts resembling human anatomy. Along the colon, an undiscovered number of colored pins were anchored. Testers were asked to complete colonoscopy by capsule and conventional endoscopy. Data were compared for feasibility, overall accuracy to detect colored pins and time to complete the procedure. Wilcoxon test for paired data was used for statistical analysis. Results Complete colonoscopy was feasible in all cases with both techniques. The median overall accuracy in detecting pins was 85% in the capsule group, while 87% in the colonoscopy group (P = 0.080). Among experts, median accuracy was 71% in the capsule group, while 85% in the colonoscopy group (P = 0.029). Trainees’ median accuracy was 88% in both groups. Trainees’ median accuracy in the capsule group was higher than experts’ median accuracy in the colonoscopy group (88% vs. 85%, P = 0.241). Overall time to complete colonoscopy was 556 ± 188 s. vs. 194 ± 158 s. respectively (P = 0.0001), 578 ± 216 s. vs. 77 ± 34 s. in the experts’ group (P = 0.0001) and 535 ± 163 s. vs. 311 ± 145 s. in the trainees’ group (P = 0.0028). Conclusions The results analysis demonstrates that the use of the novel robotically driven capsule for colonoscopy in ex vivo model is feasible and it allows adequate accuracy with no need for learning curve nor endoscopic expertise.
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