Our Summary

This research paper looked at how different types of surgical robots perform in comparison to one another, particularly in terms of effectiveness and cost. They looked at clinical studies that compared at least two different types of robots and found 31 studies that fit their criteria. These studies involved a total of 3624 patients and compared the da Vinci robot with several other types, including the Hintori, Hugo, KangDuo, Micro-Hand, Revo-I, Senhance, and Versius robots.

The studies covered a variety of surgical specialties, including urology, general surgery, and gynecology. The researchers found that there was no significant difference between the robots in terms of conversion rate, blood loss, complications, pathology, cancer outcomes after 6 months, and functional outcomes after 12 months.

There were mixed results when it came to the length of time the surgery took. The length of hospital stay was largely the same across the board. The workload for the surgeon was also similar. The cost of operating was found to be 45-60% lower on the newer platforms.

The researchers concluded that the newer robots were just as effective as the da Vinci in a range of abdominal and pelvic procedures and could potentially be cheaper. However, they noted that the studies they looked at varied widely and that more data was needed on non-technical skills, other human factors, and learning curves. They also noted that most of the evidence was of low quality and retrospective, but the growing evidence on the safety and effectiveness of the newer robots has implications for training programs and purchasing decisions.

FAQs

  1. Do different surgical robotic platforms differ in performance and cost?
  2. Are there differences in clinical outcomes between surgeries performed with the da Vinci robot and those performed with newer platforms?
  3. How does the operative cost compare between da Vinci and newer surgical robotic platforms?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about robotic surgery is to discuss with their surgeon the specific robotic platform being used for their procedure. Different robotic platforms may have slight differences in performance and cost, so it is important for the patient to be informed about their options. Additionally, patients should inquire about the surgeon’s experience and training with the specific robotic platform to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for robotic surgery include those requiring abdominopelvic procedures such as urological, general surgery, and gynecological surgeries. This includes procedures such as hysterectomy, sacrocolpopexy, inguinal and ventral hernia repair, cholecystectomy, colorectal surgery, pancreatic surgery, oesophagectomy, and distal gastrectomy. The review mentioned in the abstract found that robotic surgery outcomes were similar across different robotic platforms, including da Vinci and newer robots such as Hintori, Hugo, KangDuo, Micro-hand, Revo-I, Senhance, and Versius. Additionally, the newer robotic platforms were found to have lower operative costs compared to the da Vinci system.

Timeline

Before Robotic Surgery:

  • Patient consults with a surgeon to discuss treatment options
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluations
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes or stop taking certain medications leading up to surgery
  • Patient is briefed on the robotic surgery process and what to expect during recovery

After Robotic Surgery:

  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room for a period of time
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort at the incision sites
  • Patient is given instructions for post-operative care, including wound care and pain management
  • Patient may need physical therapy or follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and lifestyle, with follow-up visits to monitor long-term outcomes and potential complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific robotic platform will be used for my surgery, and what are the differences between this platform and others available?

  2. How does the chosen robotic platform compare in terms of safety and efficacy to other robotic platforms for the type of surgery I will be undergoing?

  3. Are there any potential advantages or disadvantages to using a specific robotic platform for my surgery?

  4. How experienced is the surgical team with using the chosen robotic platform for this type of surgery?

  5. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with robotic surgery using the chosen platform that I should be aware of?

  6. How long is the recovery time expected to be for robotic surgery using this platform compared to traditional surgery methods?

  7. What are the costs associated with robotic surgery using the chosen platform, and how does this compare to other robotic platforms or traditional surgery methods?

  8. Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions or precautions I should follow when undergoing robotic surgery with this platform?

  9. What is the expected outcome and success rate for my surgery using this specific robotic platform, and how does this compare to other platforms or traditional surgery methods?

  10. Are there any ongoing studies or research comparing different robotic platforms for this type of surgery that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Pal A, Gamage R. Journal: J Robot Surg. 2024 Oct 29;18(1):386. doi: 10.1007/s11701-024-02144-w. PMID: 39470929