ECRI blog: Reining in unbridled uses of robotic-assisted surgery (12 August 209)

Summary

The quality of most published robotic surgery studies is low, and studies are often inconclusive when it comes to effectiveness compared to open and laparoscopic procedure approaches. Furthermore, clinical literature has shown significant variation in practice and recommendations for surgeon training and credentialing. However, despite the evidence, the number of robotic surgery procedures continues to increase.

In this blog ECRI looks at the risks associated with robotic surgery focussing mainly on three areas: patient safety and surgeon experience, evidence and cost.