Background: It has been shown that a third hand is useful for holding the endoscope during endoscopic surgery so that both hands of the surgeon are free for instrumentation.
Material and methods: Experimental tests were performed with the mechatronic robotic camera holding system Soloassist on anatomical specimens in the area of the nose, nasopharynx and larynx.
Results: An ergonomic set-up and the practical application are easily possible. The third hand enables a still and clear picture without undesired camera movement and all instruments can be controlled by the surgeon. There would appear to be some room for improvement as the working area is limited due to an additional instrument. The camera holding system shows a very high velocity for head and neck surgery.
Conclusion: Until the active holder can be used regularly in clinical practice in the field of head and neck surgery, more technical modifications have to be implemented.