The current role of robotics in bariatric surgery.

Abstract

Significant improvements have been made in bariatric surgery for the past two decades. Thus, early and late complication rates decreased significantly. Thanks to its promising results, robotic surgery is finding increasing use in the field of surgery and the bariatric surgery is one of these areas. Following the first robotic bariatric surgery in 1997, it continues to be performed at increasing rates thanks to the advantages it brings. Robotic surgery offers new opportunities to improve bariatric surgery, thanks to remote control mechanical arms. The three-dimensional (3D) view, together with the precision of movements and the freedom of arms offer new insights into the more difficult surgeries. Hospitals should prepare a good business plan to financially activate robotic surgery, thus, more robotic procedures can be achieved. Among the expressed concerns for the Da Vinci Systems are issues such as the costs, operational times, and lack of tactile feedback. Annual maintenance fees and instrument costs are undoubtedly higher than laparoscopic surgery methods. Robotic surgery is now integrated into obesity surgery, such as sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, one anastomosis gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion and single anastomosis duodenal switch. It allows for more efficient and ideal anastomosis and exposure in challenging fields. Robotic bariatric surgery is a safe procedure with a short learning curve, outcomes comparable to laparoscopy and other benefits of robotic technology.