Exploring the Use of Robotics in Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery: A Comprehensive Perspective

Area of Science:

• Plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Surgical robotics
• Microsurgery

Background:

• Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) has advanced significantly due to technological investments.
• RAS development parallels progress in microsurgical instruments, enhancing precision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review the literature on RAS in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
• To explore the risks, benefits, limitations, and challenges of adopting robotic technologies in this field.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of systematic reviews, case series, and prospective/retrospective studies.
• Literature search focused on PubMed, English-language studies within the last 10 years involving human subjects.

Main Results:

• RAS is comparable or superior to conventional techniques in safety and effectiveness for specific reconstructive procedures.
• Benefits include shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, improved cosmetic results, and enhanced surgeon dexterity.
• Challenges include steep learning curves, high costs, and lack of tactile feedback, though these are improving.

Conclusions:

• RAS is revolutionizing plastic and reconstructive surgery by improving precision, ergonomics, and patient recovery.
• Widespread adoption is limited by costs and the pace of technological evolution.
• RAS is an essential component of modern surgical practice, with future research focusing on comparative trials and cost-effectiveness.