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Telerobotic assistance in general surgery: current awareness and attitudes amongst UK surgeons
Author(s) -
Smith A,
Guillou P J,
Jayne D G
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
the international journal of medical robotics and computer assisted surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.556
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1478-596X
pISSN - 1478-5951
DOI - 10.1002/rcs.8
Subject(s) - medicine , telerobotics , limiting , robotic surgery , laparoscopic surgery , da vinci surgical system , surgical robot , enthusiasm , invasive surgery , general surgery , medical physics , laparoscopy , surgery , robot , computer science , artificial intelligence , psychology , engineering , mechanical engineering , social psychology , mobile robot
Telerobotic‐assistance represents the next major advance in minimal access surgery. Its introduction into general surgery in the UK has been slow in comparison to the USA and continental Europe, and the reasons for this are unclear. Methods: In September 2003, three hundred questionnaires designed to assess the awareness and attitudes of UK surgeons to telerobotic systems were sent to members of the Association of Endoscopic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. Results: 97 of the 300 (32%) questionnaires were returned. Overall, surgeons had a reasonable level of awareness of telerobotic systems, the general surgical procedures that had been performed, and the potential advantages to laparoscopic surgery. Only 18% had any actual exposure to telerobotic systems. The majority was enthusiastic about its introduction into general surgery, but opinion was divided about its role in routine surgical practice. The main benefits of telerobotic assistance were believed to be the improved instrumentation and computer‐enhanced operative vision. Equipment and ongoing service costs were perceived as overwhelming factors limiting the implementation of telerobotics in the UK. Previous exposure to telerobotic systems increased surgeons' appreciation of the potential advantages, but had little impact on the enthusiasm of surgeons for the new technology, which was high regardless of previous exposure. Conclusions: The implementation of telerobotics into general surgical practice in the UK is generally favoured by laparoscopic surgeons. The main limiting factors appear to be logistical concerns and financial constraints. Copyright © 2004 Robotic Publications Ltd.