Teaching and Training Surgeons in Robotic Colorectal Surgery

Abstract

Robotic surgery is becoming more popular among practicing physicians as a new modality with improved visualization and mobility (1–2). As patients also desire minimally invasive procedures with quicker recoveries, there is a desire for new surgical residents and fellows to pursue robotic techniques in training (3–4). To develop a new colorectal robotics training program, an institution needs a well-formulated plan for the trainees and mentors with realistic expectations. The development of a robotics training program has potential obstacles, including increased initial cost, longer operative times, and overcoming learning curves. We have devised a four-phase training protocol for residents in colorectal surgical fellowship. Each of these phases attempts to create a curricular framework that outlines logical progression and sets expectations for trainees, Program Directors, and residency faculty. Phase zero begins prior to fellowship and is preparatory. Phase one focuses on an introduction to robotics with learning bedside console troubleshooting and simulation exercises. Phase Two prioritizes operative experience and safety while completing steps independently in a progressive fashion. Phase Three polishes the resident prior to graduation for future practice. We recommend frequent evaluation and open-mindedness while establishing a focused robotics program. The end goal is to graduate fellows with an equivalency certificate who can continue to practice colorectal robotic surgery.

The role of the bedside assistant in robot-assisted surgery: A critical synthesis

“…A total of 100 records were sought for retrieval, but the full texts of four were not available (Ardila et al 2012, Attalla et al 2013, Shah & Haas 2006, Soliman & Tammany 2021). When assessed for eligibility, 25 records were excluded.…”

Using a modified Delphi process to explore international surgeon-reported benefits of robotic-assisted surgery to perform abdominal rectopexy

“…Many operative approaches have been described for the correction of rectal prolapse the aim of which are to restore anatomical anatomy and improve the associated symptoms with the minimum associated surgical morbidity. Roboticassisted surgery (RAS) offers improved visualisation and dexterity compared to laparoscopic-assisted surgery and has been commenced for performing abdominal rectopexy [1][2][3][4][5]. Robotic-assisted rectopexy surgery is especially helpful in the confines of the lower-pelvis, where there are limitations from the bony anatomy.…”

European Society of Coloproctology guideline on training in robotic colorectal surgery (2024)

“…Twenty articles were considered relevant to this research question [37–56]: three were comparative studies [37–39], 11 were case series [40–50] and six were consensus statements, review articles and an Editorial [51–56].…”

“…Twenty articles were considered relevant to this research question [37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56]: three were comparative studies [37][38][39], 11 were case series [40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50] and six were consensus statements, review articles and an Editorial [51][52][53][54][55][56].…”