Interest in Robotics Outpaces Access: Results from a Survey of Practicing Plastic Surgeons

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Robotics

Background:

• Robotic surgery adoption is expanding across medical disciplines.
• Plastic surgery has seen modest adoption of robotic systems despite the da Vinci Surgical System's influence.
• This study investigates plastic surgeons' perspectives on robotic surgery integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess plastic surgeons' interest in robotic surgery.
• To evaluate current utilization of robotic technology in plastic surgery.
• To identify perceived barriers to robotic surgery adoption in plastic surgery.

Main Methods:

• A 15-question survey was distributed to members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
• The survey collected data on training, access, interest, and barriers related to robotic procedures.
• Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the 123 responses received.

Main Results:

• A significant majority (84.6%) of respondents have access to surgical robots, but only 13.8% received residency training.
• Current utilization of robotic technology in plastic surgery procedures is low (12.2%).
• Key barriers include training needs (63.9%), lack of demand (60.2%), increased operative time (54.6%), and financial concerns (26.9%).

Conclusions:

• Inadequate training, high costs, and limited demand are primary barriers to robotic surgery adoption in plastic surgery.
• The findings highlight a gap in residency curricula and significant investment costs for robotic systems.
• Expanded training, promotion of clinical benefits, and cost-effectiveness research are crucial for increasing robotic surgery integration.