What is robotic colonoscopy?

Robotic colonoscopy is a procedure that uses disposable probes to travel through the colon. A robotic colonoscopy is a medical examination which is painless, safer, uses disposable materials, and is an alternative to and in some cases in addition to a traditional colonoscopy. This is a painless exam, as it uses an extremely flexible instrument which moves using “rear traction”, without external pressure. For this reason, the probe travels along the curves of the colon rendering it non traumatic and painless.

What are the differences?

Traditional colonoscopy uses an endoscopic probe which is manually pushed along the colon by a specialised doctor. For this reason, a traditional colonoscopy is an invasive painful exam which requires appropriate sedation.

Robotic colonoscopy is a computerised system which uses a very flexible silicon cylinder (the actual colonoscope) which can be lengthened or shortened. At the top and bottom of the cylinder (elongator) there are two anchoring systems (clamper) permitting the system to attach itself to the mucus by carefully suctioning itself to it. This allows the colonoscope to move forward (in much the same way as a caterpillar) along the colon on its own, following bends without any mechanical action or external force. That is why there is minimum or no discomfort for the patient whatsoever.

What are the advantages? 

The advantages with respect to the traditional technique are numerous:

• No pain.
• No need for sedative drugs, meaning that the recovery period is faster and immediate.
• Safer, in that it uses a disposable instrument. In addition, the robotic system reduces almost completely the risk of perforation.

During the endoscopic exploration, with duration of a minimum of 20 minutes to a maximum of 60, the patient can speak with the doctor and refer their needs or ask how the exam is proceeding. Decreased emotional tension makes the robotic colonoscopy a much easier exam to undergo for the patient.

How is it performed?

A Robotic Colonoscopy can be performed after a proper preparation, identical to the preparation required for a traditional colonoscopy. Preparation for a robotic colonoscopy must be more careful as any residual faecal matter may not only interfere with visual images, but it may also compromise the anchoring and advancement of the instrument.

During the course of the examination the patient is generally asked to lie on their left side. During the exam, the patient may be asked to change position (lay on their back, on their right side). Also, abdominal compressions may be required in order to feel for the probe and help in areas where it may encounter difficulty along its path.

A robotic colonoscopy is usually well tolerated by the patients in that the advancement of the device is completely non traumatic. However, the injection of air necessary to stretch the colon could, in cases of a low pain threshold, determine the sensation of pain/discomfort.

Can polyps be removed, or biopsies done with a robotic colonoscopy?  

Yes. it is possible to perform biopsies. The removal of polyps under one centimetre is possible. For polyps larger than 10-15 mm it is theoretically possible to remove them however it cannot be guaranteed for various reasons: shape of the polyp, position in the colon, etc. For larger polyps a conventional colonoscopy is recommended.