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Laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic digestive surgery: Present and future directions
Juan C Rodríguez-Sanjuán1, Marcos Gómez-Ruiz1, Soledad Trugeda-Carrera1
1Juan C Rodríguez-Sanjuán, Marcos Gómez-Ruiz, Soledad Trugeda-Carrera, Carlos Manuel-Palazuelos, Antonio López-Useros, Manuel Gómez-Fleitas, Department of General Surgery, University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, 39008 Santander, Spain.
Laparoscopic surgery is standard for many digestive procedures, but complex operations remain challenging. This review explores advanced laparoscopic techniques and robot-assisted surgery, highlighting areas needing more clinical evidence.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Surgical Robotics
Background:
- Laparoscopic surgery is widely adopted for common digestive procedures like cholecystectomy and Nissen's fundoplication.
- Its application in complex resections (esophageal, liver, pancreatic) is less frequent due to skill requirements and limited clinical evidence.
- Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is emerging, but comparative evidence against conventional laparoscopy is scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status and evidence for complex laparoscopic digestive procedures.
- To discuss the role and controversies surrounding advanced laparoscopic techniques.
- To provide an update on novel robot-assisted surgical procedures in digestive surgery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on complex laparoscopic and robot-assisted digestive surgeries.
- Analysis of clinical evidence supporting the implementation of these advanced techniques.
- Synthesis of information on skill requirements and comparative effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Laparoscopy is standard for routine procedures but less established for complex digestive resections.
- Evidence supporting complex laparoscopic procedures is less robust than for simpler interventions.
- Robot-assisted surgery is gaining traction, but comparative data is limited.
Conclusions:
- Further research and clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of complex laparoscopic and robot-assisted digestive surgeries.
- Standardization of training and skill development is crucial for advancing these techniques.
- Comparative studies are essential to guide the adoption of robot-assisted approaches over conventional laparoscopy.
