Robot-assisted surgery vs. laparoscopic surgery in urology: a critical review
Abstract
The increasing use of robotic platforms in urology requires a thorough examination of their financial implications and advantages over conventional laparoscopic methods, especially in the context of a developing country. A review, albeit non-systematic, of the relevant literature spanning the last three decades was undertaken to shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of robot-assisted and traditional laparoscopic urological surgery. This review covered a variety of procedures including but not limited to radical prostatectomy, partial and radical nephrectomy, radical cystectomy, retroperitoneal and inguinal lymph node dissection and kidney transplantation. Recent advances in laparoscopic or robotic urology are also presented. The review showed almost parallel outcomes between robotic and conventional laparoscopic urological surgery for these procedures. However, robotic procedures were found to be significantly more expensive than their laparoscopic counterparts. Given the lack of definitive advantages of robotic procedures over traditional laparoscopy, coupled with the limited availability and significant costs associated with robotic technologies, laparoscopic surgery remains an important part of the medical landscape in developing countries.
Keywords: Laparoscopy, robot assisted, minimally invasive surgery, uro-oncology, single port