(A946) RoboticScope (Robotic Microscope) Assisted Primary Cleft Palate Surgery; A Pilot Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Conventional cleft palate surgery usually involves operating in a narrow oral cavity space with surgical loupe visualization. Today, some surgeons resort to surgical microscopes to improve visualization and obtain more precise muscle dissection. The RoboticScope® is a head movement-controlled system which moves the robotic arm loaded with 3D visualization technology, allowing surgeons complete freedom to use their hands for surgery.

Methods: This was a retrospective pilot analysis of eight pediatric patients, split into two cohorts of four, comparing conventional palatoplasty to RoboticScope assisted palatoplasty performed in 2023. Patient demographics were collected, including age (in months), sex, and cleft palate classification (Veau I-IV). The study employed both quantitative and qualitative variables. Variables measured included operative time, postoperative analgesia, oral intake, hospital stay and complication rates. Ergonomic evaluations were performed through surgeons documenting their feedback on comfort and surgical efficiency, including dissection and repair.

Results: RoboticScope® assisted palatoplasty averaged 28 minutes longer than the conventional method. Postoperative analgesic needs also differed: 100% (n=4) of the patients who underwent conventional palatoplasty required morphine, whereas only 50% (n=2) of the RoboticScope patients required morphine. 75% (n=3) of the RoboticScope patients demonstrated good oral intake on day one, and 50% (n=2) of the patients were discharged one day earlier than the conventional group was. No significant differences in complication rates were found, but ergonomic assessments revealed improved posture and reduced strain for surgeons utilizing the RoboticScope.

Conclusions: This study concludes that RoboticScope assisted palatoplasty is safe, feasible, and is associated with fewer analgesic needs, better oral intake and ergonomic benefits for surgeons than to conventional palatoplasty.