Our Summary

This research paper is about a thorough analysis of all the studies and research done on robotic surgery to date. The researchers used three strategies to search for relevant studies - looking at the titles, abstracts, and keywords; searching only within the titles; and looking at the 100 most cited (referenced) papers on the subject. They used specific software programs, Vosviewer and R Studio, to help with this analysis.

The first strategy found 38,469 publications, while the second strategy found 6,451 articles from 2001 to 2023. The researchers identified the top authors, universities, countries, sponsors, and sources based on the number of publications for both strategies. They also looked more closely at the 100 most cited papers, examining details like how often they were published, how often they were cited, and the networks of co-authors involved in these papers.

Lastly, they analyzed the main keywords of these 100 papers, categorizing them into 25 groups.

Overall, the study highlighted the significant contributions and collaborations in robotic surgery, showing the importance of global and collaborative efforts in advancing this field of research.

FAQs

  1. What strategies did the researchers use to search for relevant studies on robotic surgery?
  2. What software programs were used for the analysis of the research done on robotic surgery?
  3. What were the researchers able to identify from the publications and articles on robotic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about robotic surgery is that it is a minimally invasive technique that can lead to faster recovery times, less pain, and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery. Robotic surgery also allows for more precision and accuracy during the procedure, potentially leading to better outcomes. It is important to discuss with your doctor if robotic surgery is an option for your specific condition and to follow any pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully for the best results.

Suitable For

In terms of the types of patients typically recommended for robotic surgery, the research paper did not specifically focus on this aspect. However, based on general knowledge, robotic surgery is often recommended for patients who require minimally invasive procedures with increased precision and control. This may include patients undergoing procedures in areas such as urology, gynecology, general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and orthopedics. Patients who are deemed suitable candidates for robotic surgery are often those who are healthy enough to undergo surgery but may benefit from the advantages that robotic technology can offer, such as reduced pain, shorter recovery times, and improved outcomes. Ultimately, the decision to recommend robotic surgery for a patient is made on a case-by-case basis by the healthcare provider in consultation with the patient.

Timeline

Before robotic surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of consultations with their healthcare provider to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. This may involve various tests and evaluations to assess the patient’s overall health and surgical risk. The patient also receives information about the procedure, its benefits, risks, and potential outcomes.

After robotic surgery, the patient will likely experience a period of recovery and rehabilitation. This may involve pain management, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress and address any concerns. The patient may also need to make lifestyle changes or adhere to specific instructions to ensure a successful recovery.

Overall, robotic surgery can provide patients with less pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and improved outcomes compared to traditional open surgery. It is important for patients to follow their healthcare provider’s guidelines and recommendations to optimize their recovery and long-term health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

When considering robotic surgery, patients should ask their doctor the following questions:

  1. What specific experience and training do you have with robotic surgery?
  2. What are the potential benefits of robotic surgery compared to traditional surgery for my condition?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with robotic surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of robotic surgery for my particular condition?
  5. How long is the recovery time after robotic surgery compared to traditional surgery?
  6. Will I have a shorter hospital stay with robotic surgery?
  7. What is the cost difference between robotic surgery and traditional surgery, and will my insurance cover it?
  8. Are there any specific limitations or contraindications for robotic surgery in my case?
  9. How will my follow-up care be managed after robotic surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with more information or resources about robotic surgery so I can make an informed decision?

Reference

Authors: Abdelwahab SI, Taha MME, Farasani A, Jerah AA, Abdullah SM, Aljahdali IA, Oraibi B, Alfaifi HA, Alzahrani AH, Oraibi O, Babiker Y, Hassan W. Journal: J Robot Surg. 2024 Sep 6;18(1):335. doi: 10.1007/s11701-024-02091-6. PMID: 39237832