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Scientists use robot to conduct soft tissue surgery
Surgical equipment
Although robot-assisted surgery is becoming increasingly common, the execution of surgical tasks on soft tissue remains entirely manual.

Autonomous surgery may bring better efficacy and safety

Scientists in the United States have carried out robotic soft tissue surgery in a large animal for the first time.

A study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine describes how the scientists carried out supervised autonomous surgery in pigs.

Using a robot known as STAR (Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot), the scientists accessed the intestines of four pigs through a laparotomy and compared the procedure to a surgeon using standard surgical hand tools.

Researchers say that the results demonstrate that autonomous surgery can bring ‘better efficacy, safety, and access to the best surgical techniques regardless of human factors including surgeon experience’.

Although robot-assisted surgery is becoming increasingly common, the execution of surgical tasks on soft tissue remains entirely manual.

To see if the task could be performed by an autonomous machine, the scientists developed a soft tissue robot consisting of a lightweight robotic arm extended with a laparoscopic suturing tool.

Equipped with smart imaging technologies, the STAR robot then carried out various soft tissue surgical tasks and compared them to those of experienced surgeons. The robot is programmed by a computer that generates a plan to complete complex surgical tasks.

In the pig trials, the average STAR procedure took over 50 minutes, while the ‘open’ surgery took just eight. However, this is comparable to the average for clinical laparoscopic anastomoses that range from 30 to 50 minutes. No complications were observed in the seven days following surgery.

‘This task represents a proof of concept for all potential soft tissue surgical tasks requiring repetition precision, accuracy, and efficiency that can potentially benefit from autonomous or supervised autonomous functionality,’ the researchers conclude.

‘Further miniaturisation of tools and improved sensors will allow for wider use even at smaller scales.’

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.