Outcomes of Robotic Surgery for Low-Volume Surgeons

When the outcomes are equivalent to the open technique, conventional laparoscopy is a preferred surgical approach because of its minimal invasiveness. However, outcomes following laparoscopy depend on the surgeon’s expertise, and there is a significant learning curve to attain efficiency in complex reconstructing laparoscopic procedures. Robotic assistance bridges the gap between open and laparoscopic procedures and allows surgeons with limited laparoscopy experience to offer the benefits of minimally invasive surgery to their patients. While existing data do not show better outcomes with robot assistance compared with laparoscopy for most procedures, these studies are based on data from high-volume surgeons and centers. In reality, a significant number of surgeries are performed by low-volume centers and surgeons, and robotic assistance may enable them to offer benefits of minimally invasive surgery equivalent to those of higher volume centers since robotic assistance is associated with a shorter learning curve than laparoscopy. We review the data on the outcomes of robotic surgery for low-volume surgeons with a focus on centers and surgeons in Asia.