Robotics in Breast Surgery: Current Advantages, Disadvantages, and Applications

Breast cancer represents the most prevalent malignancy among women, requiring surgical procedures including mastectomies and lumpectomies. While conventional surgical procedures are typically more invasive, robot-assisted breast surgery has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional mastectomy and reconstruction techniques. Robotic systems offer enhanced precision, three-dimensional (3D) visualization, and improved ergonomics. Their primary objectives are to minimize invasiveness, optimize the surgeon's visibility, reduce postoperative complications, and achieve superior aesthetic outcomes. Robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy demonstrates oncological safety comparable to conventional methods, with lower overall complication rates. However, significant challenges persist, including high initial costs, longer operative times, and the imperative for specialized training. While robotic surgery enhances surgeon ergonomics and mitigates fatigue, further formal clinical studies are required to conclusively validate these benefits. Current applications encompass nipple-sparing mastectomies, sentinel lymph node biopsies, and breast reconstruction procedures. The document also explores robotic techniques for breast reconstruction, highlighting potential benefits such as reduced postoperative pain and improved aesthetic satisfaction. Despite promising preliminary results, more long-term oncological safety data and comprehensive cost-effectiveness analyses are essential for a complete evaluation of robotics' role in breast surgery. This review aims to summarize the current evidence on robotic-assisted breast surgery, focusing on its advantages, limitations, and clinical applications.