The outer rim of tissue which the surgeon chooses to remove is known as the "urgical margin" . Currently, surgical margins are identified using the surgeon's experience, preoperative imaging such as CT scans together with visual observations and, in open surgery, tactile "feel". However, when undertaking "keyhole surgery" using laparoscopic, endoscopic or robotic operations, surgeons can't use "feel" to determine tissue characteristics.
Combining engineering, clinical, and industrial skillsets, the new robot-assisted surgery technique will allow mechanical measurements to be taken inside and around the surgical target. The data will provide clinicians with a clear indication of a tissue's disease status and determine how much tissue to remove during the operation.
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