Unveiling the real benefits of robot-assisted surgery in gynaecology: from telesurgery to image-guided surgery and artificial intelligence.

Abstract

Background: Several new robotic platforms are being commercialised, with different features in terms of types of consoles, numbers of arms, and targeting transabdominal or natural orifice approaches. The benefits of robotic surgery over laparoscopy have yet to be conclusively demonstrated in gynaecology, as several studies comparing perioperative and postoperative patient outcomes have reported no significant differences, leading to a lack of precise recommendations in surgical guidelines for both gynaecologic oncology and benign gynaecology. In addition, these outcomes must be balanced against the high costs of robotic surgery, in particular when considering building an infrastructure for safe telesurgery to democratise access to telementoring and remote interventions.

Objectives: Drawing from the expertise gained at the IRCAD Research and Training Center in Strasbourg, France, this article aims to provide an overview of the unveiled benefits of robotic-assisted surgery in gynaecology, investigating the role of digital surgery integration.

Methods: The objective of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the latest advancement in digital robotic-assisted surgery in gynaecology and illustrate the benefits of this approach related to the easiest integration with new technologies. To illustrate such evidence, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases were searched.

Main outcome measures: In the era of surgical innovation and digital surgery, the potential of robotic surgery becomes apparent through the capacity to integrate new technologies. Image-guided surgery techniques, including the analysis of preoperative and intraoperative images, 3D reconstructions and their use for virtual and augmented reality, and the availability of drop-in robotic ultrasound probes, can help to enhance the quality, efficacy and safety of surgical procedures.

Results: The integration of artificial intelligence, particularly computer vision analysis of surgical workflows, is put forward to further reduce complications, enhance safety, and improve operating room efficiency. Additionally, new large language models can assist during procedures by providing patient history and aiding in decision-making. The education and training of young surgeons will undergo radical transformations with robotic surgery, with telementoring and shared procedures in the side-by-side double-console setup.

Conclusions: Robotic systems play a fundamental role in the transition towards digital surgery, aiming to improve patient care through integration of such new technologies.

What is new?: While the advantages of robotic surgery in terms of perioperative outcomes have yet to be demonstrated, the benefits of its easiest integration with new technologies are evident.