Does Prior Laparoscopic and Open Surgery Experience Have Any Impact on Learning Curve in Transition to Robotic Surgery?

Abstract

ÖZIt has been 15 years since the Food And Drug Administration approved the Da Vinci® robotic surgery system. Robotic applications are being used extensively in urology, particularly in radical prostatectomy. Like all hightech products, this system also has a high cost and a steep learning curve, therefore, preventing it from becoming widespread. There are various studies on the effect of open surgery or laparoscopy experience on the learning curve of robotic surgery. Analyzing these interactions well will provide valuable information on making the training period of robotic system more efficient.

Proctorship in Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery

“…For example, the influence of experience in open surgery on the learning in laparoscopic surgery is probably overestimated, but experience in a similar skill (e.g., laparoscopic for robotic surgery) can be a good predictor for a faster skill acquisition. 3,19 Often expertise in one procedure via one modality may allow a quicker uptake of a newer modality due to the intrinsic knowledge of the mastered procedure. Validation of this concept is however scarce.…”

“…Some published data looking at time line outcomes for surgeons adopting a minimally invasive technique show some evidence of a shortened proficiency gain curve with higher frequency. 3,5,19 Hence, access and rate of according procedures in the normal environment of a prospective delegate may be considered as a selection criterion. Furthermore, the proficiency gain curve for each delegate is variable and for industry to support a minimum of say five proctored sessions may make a delegate alienated for the 6th procedure.…”

Learning Curve of a Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy Program at a Second Institution

“…For surgeons who are experienced in complex open surgery, transition to the robotic platform is generally easier than learning advanced laparoscopic skills, especially for complex technical suturing as required in a PD. 18 While surgeons may find it easier to develop a robotic skill set than to learn complex advanced laparoscopic techniques, the challenge in expanding a robotic program to a new institution may be due to the significant cost of acquiring the robotic platforms. In addition, successful use of robotic surgery platforms, especially for advanced cases requires trained staff who are familiar with the technology.…”