The Big Five: Training in Robotic Surgery

Abstract

Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has seen exponential global growth across high and low/middle-income countries (HICs and LMICs). Consequently, the total market size is estimated at $4.3 billion and projected to almost double over the next 5 years. Robotic surgical systems offer a tool for the operating surgeon that allows greater precision, dexterity and access when compared to pre-existing instruments . They are also facilitators of data collection in a way that has never been possible, creating a new era of ‘digital surgery’. Whilst a robot could be considered ‘just another tool’, the complexity of the hardware and advent of technology enhanced surgery provides unique challenges that must be considered. When we look into the future, we must make high quality training of surgeons a priority. Because without training today, there will be no surgeons tomorrow.