Robotic Surgery and Its Application in Urology: A Journey Through Time

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate an overview of the past, present, and future of robotic surgery. To provide insight and focus on the current status of the field of robotic systems for urological surgery with outcomes and discuss future perspectives in terms of other operative techniques and new robotic platforms. Evidence acquisition: The authors undertook a non-systematic literature review using PubMed, Medline, and Google search. They used the search terms “robotic uro-surgery”, “laparoscopic”, “minimally invasive surgery”, “future of robotics”, “global robotic market growth”, “geographical distribution”, and “cost-effectiveness”. Evidence synthesis: Robotic surgery has embraced and extended almost all aspects of uro-surgical fields since its introduction three decades ago. There are definite advantages of robots to the surgeons and patients. It has become new standard of care for many surgical procedures. Innovation and technological advances are continuing and new with more precise robots are emerging. The major downside is cost. Despite the high cost, robot market is growing. Conclusion: Over the past decade, minimally invasive approaches have virtually revolutionised surgery and robotic surgery has accelerated these changes. Without doubt, robotic urologic surgery is here to stay and will expand further in all surgical disciplines. Utilisation of robotics should be coupled with a reduction in costs to healthcare systems, and improved clinical outcomes for the general population rather than a privileged few. Therefore, making this expensive technology more affordable must be part of the equation.