The Future of Robotics in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Realistic Model for Trainee Certification

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Robotics
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS)

Background:

• Robotic surgery is increasingly adopted across surgical specialties for enhanced patient care, particularly in complex cases.
• Despite proven benefits in PRS, formal robotics training remains insufficient within residency programs.
• Existing guidelines from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and industry were reviewed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the current state of robotic surgery training in PRS residency programs.
• To assess the feasibility and benefits of incorporating formal robotics training and certification.
• To evaluate the impact of improved training on patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of robotic surgery case logs from General Surgery residents at Mayo Clinic Arizona.
• Review of ACGME and industry guidelines for robotic surgery training and certification.
• Examination of Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) certification requirements.

Main Results:

• Only 30% of general surgery residents obtained robotic surgery equivalency certification over five years.
• ACGME does not mandate robotics training for general surgery residencies.
• SAGES recommends 20 console and 10 bedside cases for industry certification, a manageable requirement for PRS residents.

Conclusions:

• PRS residents can successfully achieve robotic surgery certification during their training programs.
• Implementing SAGES-recommended minimum case requirements can expedite robotic privileges post-graduation.
• Enhanced minimally invasive robotic surgery training in PRS can lead to better patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.