5. Glossary

Distal

Refers to a part of a surgical or robotic instrument close to its tip (active part).

Proximal

The opposite of distal; it designates the part of an instrument or robot close to its base.

Invasive

Refers to any surgical procedure requiring a large or small opening in the human body to gain access to the organ to be treated.

Mini-invasive

Refers to a surgical procedure performed using small incisions of a few millimeters in diameter, such as laparoscopy.

Non-invasive

Describes a surgical procedure that does not involve making incisions in the human body to reach the organ to be treated. For example, instruments are introduced through the natural route.