[Robots in visceral and thoracic surgery-Quo vadis?]

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Medical Robotics

Context:

• Robotic surgical systems are increasingly integrated into German hospitals, particularly for abdominal procedures.
• There's a growing trend of implementing robotic surgery in non-university medical institutions.
• Despite a lack of high-evidence studies, robotic surgery demonstrates clear benefits for complex procedures, enhancing patient safety and minimally invasive approaches.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the impact of systematic, modular surgical training on the learning curve for robotic surgery.
• To assess the maintenance of oncological quality, and postoperative morbidity and mortality rates with robotic surgery.
• To identify cost as a primary limitation for robotic surgery implementation and explore future economic competitiveness.

Summary:

• Systematic and modular training effectively flattens the learning curve for robotic surgery, maintaining high oncological quality and patient safety outcomes.
• High acquisition, material, and maintenance costs are significant barriers to the widespread adoption of robotic surgery systems.
• The ROBIN working group aims to facilitate evidence-based studies and promote innovation through industry-hospital collaboration and standardized surgeon training.

Impact:

• Robotic surgery offers enhanced safety and less invasiveness for technically demanding operations.
• Effective training protocols can mitigate the challenges associated with the learning curve in robotic surgery.
• Achieving economic competitiveness alongside qualitative benefits is crucial for the full disruptive potential of robotic surgery compared to laparoscopy.