Robotic rectum ‘could aid the diagnosis of prostate cancer’

A new robotic rectum has been created by scientists at Imperial College London to help doctors and nurses detect prostate cancer.

The device consists of prosthetic buttocks and rectum with in-built robotic technology, accurately recreating the feel of a live patient by utilising small robotic arms to apply pressure to the silicone rectum, thus recreating an authentic shape and feel.

A computer screen behind the device displays a 3D model of the rectum and prostate, allowing a doctor wearing 3D glasses to visualise the anatomy while they perform the examination.

The technology can be programmed for different scenarios, allowing the anatomy to be changed each time, and it is now being adapted for gynaecological applications.

Based on the device's promising early performance, the team is working towards building an affordable prototype for medical schools. One option may be to use the finger pressure sensors and 3D software on traditional plastic models to enhance existing training facilities.

Dr Fernando Bello from the department of surgery and cancer at Imperial College London said: "Haptics is one of the most exciting technology areas at the moment, and investigates the sensation of touch and how to integrate this into electronic devices. It has huge implications for the field of medicine and beyond."