Robot-assisted general surgery in Aotearoa New Zealand

Robot-assisted surgery refers to a surgeon controlling a robotic device that performs an operation. This viewpoint explores the current state of robot-assisted surgery in Aotearoa New Zealand using the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, California, United States), the only currently available robotic surgical system for general surgery in the country. We describe the contemporary progress in Aotearoa New Zealand compared to Australia and globally, and present emerging high-level evidence from randomised controlled trials regarding the utility of the robot-assisted approach for general surgery procedures. From the available evidence, we suggest that the value of robot-assisted general surgery in the public healthcare system arises from its emerging clinical benefits for complex procedures and its potential to engender equitable access and outcomes, particularly for Māori and Pacific peoples, improve education and training and contribute towards quality assurance and workforce development. Therefore, its implementation aligns with the New Zealand Health Strategy's long-term goals and priority areas to achieve pae ora, healthy futures for all.