Current Situation of Training in Robotic Surgery Worldwide

Robotic surgery is nowadays an emergent technological innovation in general surgery and therefore it demands for specific training. An effective curriculum should respond to a well-planned road map of training and effective assessment tools need to be standardized.

Improved dexterity, precision, 3D visualization, and ergonomics are features inherent to robotic-assisted surgery that amplify the surgeon’s skills, overcoming some of the disadvantages associated with traditional laparoscopic surgery. However, inconsistent approaches to robotic training across general surgery residency programs reveal the disparity between the use of robotic technology and training for it.

The diversity of robotic-assisted surgical training modalities is promising, as they all have demonstrated its validation. Nevertheless, comparison of overall surgical training curricula should be done to achieve a standardized robotic-assisted surgical curriculum model.

More procedure-specific training modules are needed for different surgical specialties and surgical procedures. Professional associations and experienced robotic surgeons have the responsibility of leading in the achievement of robotic skills by young surgeons and residents.