Chronology

Published Nov 5, 2026

Updated Nov 5, 2026

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First human surgery (Panama). Nov 5, 2026.

US FDA Grants Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to EndoQuest™ Robotics for Its Flexible Robotic System. Dec 10, 2024.

EndoQuest™ Robotics Closes $42 Million in Financing to Advance Endoluminal Robotics Technology. Dec 4, 2023.

ColubrisMX, Inc. Announces Corporate Rebranding to EndoQuest Robotics™. Jun 30, 2022.

EndoQuest Robotics is developing a flexible robotic surgical platform designed to operate through natural orifices and within the body’s existing luminal anatomy. The Endoluminal Surgical System (ELS) integrates its camera and two articulated robotic instruments within a flexible, steerable endoscopic platform.

The system consists of a mobile patient cart, a flexible robotic videoscope and EndoDrive™, two flexible surgical instruments, and an ergonomic surgeon console. The two instruments provide up to seven degrees of freedom, allowing triangulation, tissue manipulation and bimanual surgical dissection within confined anatomical spaces. A 3.7 mm high-definition camera provides visualization. Additional channels allow insufflation, suction, irrigation and the use of compatible accessories.

The surgeon operates the instruments remotely through hand controllers, while foot pedals provide control of the electrosurgical unit and positioning functions.

Clinical applications

The original development strategy focused on endoluminal gastrointestinal surgery, particularly procedures that are difficult to perform using conventional flexible endoscopy.

The principal areas of development include:

• Colorectal surgery: endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and full-thickness resection.
• Upper gastrointestinal surgery: endoscopic myotomy, endoscopic gastroplasty and transoral gastric procedures.
• Endobariatric surgery: robotic-assisted transoral interventions, including gastric outlet reconstruction.
• Transoral surgery: potential applications in tonsillectomy, pharyngectomy and laryngeal surgery.

The company also describes potential applications through transumbilical and transvaginal access.

A different concept in surgical robotics

EndoQuest represents a distinct approach to surgical robotics. This configuration is particularly interesting in natural-orifice surgery, where access, instrument triangulation and the ability to manipulate tissue are often the main technical limitations. Its two articulated instruments are fully controlled from a robotic console, allowing bimanual manipulation and potentially more complex surgical manoeuvres.

Potential role in Head&Neck surgery

The transoral approach is particularly relevant to Head&Neck Surgery. The ability to introduce a flexible robotic platform through the mouth could offer an alternative to conventional rigid transoral robotic systems, particularly when access to the hypopharynx and larynx is challenging.

EndoQuest’s published list of potential transoral procedures includes tonsillectomy, pharyngectomy and laryngectomy, although these applications remain developmental.

The concept is reminiscent of the Medrobotics Flex system, which demonstrated the feasibility of flexible robotic access for transoral surgery. However, EndoQuest introduces a more advanced instrument architecture, with two fully articulated robotic instruments and console-based bimanual manipulation. Whether this configuration can translate into meaningful clinical advantages in head and neck surgery remains to be demonstrated.

Prior to commencing my venture into robotic surgery, I had established a firm grounding as an oncologic surgeon. My experience encompassed a wide range of resection and reconstructive procedures, as well as proficiency in minimally invasive surgical techniques and endoscopic surgery. These acquired skills and expertise serve as fundamental pillars for achieving success in robotic surgery.

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