TYPES OF ROBOTIC SURGERY: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF CHOOSING THIS PROCEDURE

Introduction: Robotic surgery has become increasingly accessible and is already a reality worldwide. Although several medical specialties have benefited from this technology, urology is the one that has most incorporated the use of robots into surgical procedures. When we talk about robotic surgery, many patients imagine that a robot is used to carry out the procedure autonomously. It must be made clear that it is the surgeon who controls the robot and that this equipment only reproduces the movements of the doctors hands.

Methodology: This article is a systematic review, based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology, which seeks to identify the most widely used types of robotic surgery today, their advantages and disadvantages. 

Literature review: It is important for centers that apply robotics to follow standardized training, improve reporting and increase patient education in order to reduce errors related to robotic surgery. Robotic surgery should be performed by urological surgeons trained in robotics and with extensive experience in robotic and laparoscopic surgery. It should also not be forgotten that adding robots to the surgical equation can create room for error in an area that is already complex and full of risks.

Final thoughts: Robotic surgery is getting better and better as more advanced robots are developed to overcome existing shortcomings. Patients should therefore expect better results from robot-assisted surgery as advanced machines are applied.