Robotic surgery

What it is

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a robotic system to assist surgeons in performing complex operations, such as cancer treatments. The robotic system provides enhanced dexterity, three-dimensional visualization, and technical advantages in confined spaces.

What research shows

Studies suggest that robotic surgery can improve operative ergonomics, visualization, and microsurgical precision in various cancer treatments, including colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer. Evidence indicates that robotic surgery may reduce complications and improve patient outcomes, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Current status

Robotic surgery is a viable option for complex cancer treatments, particularly for patients with confined or hard-to-reach tumors. However, its adoption is limited by concerns regarding acquisition and procedural costs, and more research is needed to establish its long-term benefits and limitations.

Key studies

• PMID 42570129

  This multicenter study analyzed consecutive adult patients undergoing elective colorectal cancer surgery and found that robotic surgery was associated with improved patient outcomes and reduced complications.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42570123

  This retrospective cohort study compared peri-operative and early oncological outcomes between open and robotic radical cystectomy and found that robotic surgery was associated with reduced complications and improved patient outcomes.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42568496

  This retrospective analysis evaluated the safety and feasibility of uniport robot-assisted thoracic surgery and found that it was associated with reduced complications and improved patient outcomes.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42567715

  This prospective cohort study assessed the learning curve for radical prostatectomy with the Versius system and found that experienced surgeons could quickly adapt to the new technology.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42566083

  This bibliometric and visualization analysis mapped the knowledge landscape of intracorporeal urinary diversion during robot-assisted radical cystectomy and found that research activity was increasing in this area.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42565915

  This umbrella review integrated clinical outcomes, learning curve, and economic evidence and found that robotic surgery was associated with improved patient outcomes, but its adoption was limited by concerns regarding acquisition and procedural costs.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42565792

  This retrospective study compared peri-operative outcomes after robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopic total hysterectomy in frail women with endometrial cancer and found that robotic surgery was associated with reduced complications and improved patient outcomes.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42563333

  This retrospective cohort study compared the feasibility, safety, and cosmetic satisfaction of ultrasound-guided, indocyanine green-assisted robotic lumpectomy with open lumpectomy for benign breast tumors and found that robotic surgery was associated with improved cosmetic outcomes.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42563242

  This prospective observational study compared patient satisfaction after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy between transverse and vertical camera port incisions and found that patient satisfaction was similar between the two groups.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42560635

  This bibliometric and science-mapping analysis mapped the global research landscape of robotic surgery for rectal cancer and found that research activity was increasing in this area.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42560620

  This retrospective single-center cohort study reported on the intraoperative challenges and management strategies for hilar lymph nodes with dense adhesion to the bronchus and pulmonary artery during robot-assisted pulmonary resection.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42559892

  This review article discussed the current evidence and potential benefits of minimally invasive endoscopic and robot-assisted mastectomy.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42557524

  This bibliometric analysis mapped the global research landscape of renal function preservation in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy and found that research activity was increasing in this area.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42557507

  This proof-of-concept series evaluated the safety and feasibility of high-intensity theatre lists for robot-assisted thoracic resection and found that this approach was associated with reduced complications and improved patient outcomes.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42557461

  This global research trends analysis mapped the research landscape of robot-assisted surgery for male reproductive diseases and found that research activity was increasing in this area.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42557447

  This systematic review evaluated the feasibility, safety, and current evidence supporting single-port robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy and found that this approach was associated with improved cosmetic outcomes.

  PubMed ↗