Exploring the Need for Haptic Feedback and Improved Communication in Robotic-Assisted Surgery: A Surgeon-Centered Survey

Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has fundamentally transformed surgical practice by expanding the boundaries of human motion, offering increased precision and dexterity. It has opened new opportunities for autonomous and remote surgery beyond traditional operating room settings. The repertoire of possibilities is currently limited by the absence of haptic feedback, challenges in intraoperative communication, and ergonomic constraints. In this study, we gathered insights from clinically active surgeons across multiple specialties to identify current limitations and unmet needs in RAS. We hereby aim to bridge real-world surgical challenges by facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing the field through focused technological and clinical development. This study underscores the critical need for enhanced haptic feedback, improved intraoperative communication tools, and ergonomic refinements in RAS. Addressing these issues is essential to optimize surgical performance and patient outcomes. Future developments of robotic-assisted systems should prioritize multimodal concepts of sensory integration in order to improve the sense of embodiment within the surgical environment.