Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Urological Applications and Outcomes

The introduction of robotic technology and minimally invasive surgical techniques has revolutionized the field of urological surgery over the last 25 years. Robotic technology has been proven to be both safe and efficacious in the management of several urological malignancies and benign urological conditions. While some robotic applications have been well established, others are still at varying stages of evolution. In comparison to conventional open approaches, the robot has been shown to enhance intraoperative visualization and precision, mitigate surgeon tremor, hasten post-operative recovery, and shorten length of hospital stay for certain indications. This technology has not yet been universally adopted, however, due to its relatively high cost, longer associated operative times, and limited outcomes data. We herein review the current applications, outcomes, and drawbacks of robotic technology within the field of urological surgery and speculate on the future directions and implications within the field.