Robotics in advanced gastrointestinal surgery: the bariatric experience

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Robotic surgery adoption is growing for laparoscopic procedures, including advanced gastrointestinal and abdominal malignancy surgeries.
• Clinical applications and case numbers for robotic systems have expanded since the 1990s.
• While high-evidence data is limited, robotic surgery shows promise for complex procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status and potential of robotic surgery in gastrointestinal and bariatric procedures.
• To highlight the clinical value and technical advantages of robotic systems in complex surgeries.
• To explore future applications, particularly in oncologic gastrointestinal surgery.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and clinical case data on robotic surgery.
• Analysis of technical benefits in advanced gastrointestinal and bariatric operations.
• Discussion of emerging technologies like augmented reality in robotic surgery.

Main Results:

• Robotic surgery demonstrates clinical value in complex procedures like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and revisional bariatric surgery.
• Technical advantages of robotic systems are noted, despite a scarcity of high-evidence data.
• Growing adoption in advanced gastrointestinal surgery and abdominal malignancies.

Conclusions:

• Robotic surgery is a valuable tool for complex gastrointestinal and bariatric procedures.
• Future integration with augmented reality and real-time imaging will enhance applications, especially in gastrointestinal oncology.
• Continued research is needed to provide high-evidence data supporting its widespread use.