Korea University Anam Hospital Develops Ultra-Miniature Robotic Endoscopy Technique

A research team at Korea University Anam Hospital’s Department of Gastroenterology, led by Professors Kim Sang-hyun, Choi Hyuk-soon, and Geum Bo-ra, has developed a new therapeutic endoscopy system incorporating robotic technology for gastrointestinal procedures. Endoscopic procedures play a crucial role in the treatment of digestive diseases.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a key technique used to remove tumors or lesions from the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract, targeting early-stage cancers or precancerous conditions in the esophagus, stomach, and colon. Endoscopic submucosal dissection allows for the removal of larger lesions compared to conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) while preserving organ function. The technique is favored for its short recovery time and low complication rates.

However, due to the high level of precision required, endoscopic submucosal dissection must be performed by highly skilled specialists, making widespread adoption of the technique challenging. To overcome these limitations, the research team collaborated with Korea University’s College of Engineering and Endorobotics to integrate cutting-edge robotic technology into the endoscopic procedure, developing a new robotic endoscopic platform.

Using an ultra-miniature detachable robot attached to an endoscope, the team successfully performed endoscopic submucosal dissection on gastric and colonic lesions, analyzing the outcomes. The results from animal trials showed that the robotic endoscopic submucosal dissection procedure achieved tissue resection at more than double the speed of traditional endoscopic submucosal dissection, with no complications. Additionally, the robotic platform allowed more efficient access to hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to approach with conventional endoscopy. Professor Choi Hyuk-soon noted, "The ultra-miniature robot, embedded within the endoscope, safely reaches lesions, enabling safer and more precise endoscopic procedures. This technology is expected to enhance patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Moving forward, we plan to expand our research into other fields, such as artificial intelligence and therapeutic robotic endoscopy."

Professor Kim Sang-hyun added, "The field of robotic therapeutic endoscopy is expected to continue advancing. We are committed to ensuring that the technology developed at Korea University Anam Hospital leads the way in this field."

Professor Jeon Hun-jae, who led the related research, emphasized, "The Department of Gastroenterology at Korea University Anam Hospital has always been a global leader in endoscopic research. Our goal is to continue incorporating cutting-edge technology to provide the best possible procedures on a global scale." The research team presented their latest findings at the Digestive Disease Week conference held in Washington, D.C., from May 18 to 21, where the precision and safety of the robotic ESD procedure were recognized. They also presented the world’s first endoscopic tumor resection using a robotic attachment at the World Endoscopy Organization (ENDO 2024) conference held from July 4 to 6.