Minimally Invasive Surgery in Gastrointestinal Disease: A Review of the Role of Robotic and Virtual Reality Technologies
Keywords:
Minimally invasive surgery, Esophageal surgery, Gastric surgery, Small bowel surgery, Large bowel surgery, Systematic review, Surgical simulation, Laparoscopic surgery, Da Vinci, , Robot assisted surgeryAbstract
Background: The integration of robotic systems and virtual reality technologies in gastrointestinal surgery has transformed the field, offering improved precision, reduced morbidity, and enhanced patient outcomes. However, several key concerns remain unaddressed, including the high upfront costs and maintenance requirements of these advanced technologies, which may limit their adoption in low-resource settings and exacerbate existing healthcare disparities.
Methods: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgeries in gastrointestinal surgery, highlighting the benefits and limitations of these advanced technologies.
Results: The review explores the potential future of minimally invasive surgery, including the need for cost-effectiveness analyses, strategies for increasing accessibility in low-resource settings, and targeted training programs to support surgeons in transitioning to these advanced systems.
Conclusions: The review concludes with specific recommendations for clinical practice and further research, emphasizing the importance of a balanced view of the advancements in laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgeries.