Application of the Hugo™ RAS robotic system in general surgery: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• The Hugo™ Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) system by Medtronic offers a modular design and open console, potentially enhancing surgical procedures.
• Despite its innovative features, clinical data on the Hugo™ system's application in General Surgery is limited, primarily consisting of case reports.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review characterizing the current evidence on the use of the Hugo™ RAS system in General Surgery.
• To identify reported outcomes, challenges, and future research needs for this robotic platform in the field.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature searches were performed in major databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
• Included studies were analyzed to synthesize information on the application and outcomes of the Hugo™ RAS system in General Surgery.

Main Results:

• Thirty articles were included, predominantly case reports/series (28), with only two comparative cohort studies.
• The Hugo™ system is utilized across various General Surgery procedures, demonstrating feasibility, safety, and versatility.
• Heterogeneity in outcome reporting and challenges with instrument availability and docking configurations were noted.

Conclusions:

• The Hugo™ RAS system is feasible and versatile for General Surgery, but current evidence is largely based on limited case studies.
• Standardized, larger-scale studies are essential to rigorously evaluate the Hugo™ system's efficacy and its future role in robotic surgery.