EndoQuest Robotics announced the successful completion of two first-in-human, fully robotic transoral gastric reconstruction procedures using its investigational Endoluminal Surgical (ELS) System. Performed at The Panama Clinic in Panama City, the procedures mark the platform’s first clinical use in the upper GI tract and introduce a robotic approach to post-gastric bypass reconstruction.
The system uses two-handed robotic instruments, dynamic countertraction, and triangulation to enable precise tissue manipulation and full-thickness suturing through the mouth, without external incisions. The approach builds on transoral outlet reduction (TORe), a procedure used to address dilation of the gastrojejunal connection after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which can contribute to weight regain and dumping syndrome. Previous research cited by the company found that full-thickness suturing was associated with greater weight loss than superficial suturing at six and 12 months.