Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) refers to surgical techniques that require smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery. These procedures reduce trauma to the body, shorten recovery times, and minimize risks such as infections or complications. Traditionally, MIS has been performed by qualified surgeons using laparoscopy, which involves inserting surgical instruments through small incisions. However, it requires many years of specialization from the surgeon to master these techniques.
In recent decades, the surgical scenario has been revolutionized by the introduction of robotic systems, particularly in the field of minimally invasive procedures. These technological advances have provided surgeons with unprecedented precision, control, and versatility, as well as achieving better patient outcomes and less invasive surgeries.
Surgical robots augment the capabilities of the human hand, allowing for greater precision and control. Robotic arms, controlled by a surgeon via a console, can perform delicate tasks with greater stability, improved visualization through high-definition 3D cameras and the ability to navigate in less accessible spaces and reduce human fatigue and the risk of human error.
The United States has been at the forefront of adopting surgical robotic systems, particularly since the early 2000s with Intuitive first da Vinci surgical system.
There is still a long way to go in the rest of the world, however, as the benefits of robotic surgery have become more evident, countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany and France have begun to allocate more resources to adopt these technologies.
Surgeons also have an important role in its adoption. On the one hand, surgeons specializing in MIS take several years to achieve mastery and do not want to give up the position they have achieved. On the other hand, young surgeons adopt this new technology with more confidence, knowing that this solution has a shorter learning curve and faster patient recovery, making it clear that the future will involve the adoption of robotic surgical systems more and more advanced.
The development of new, more affordable systems, along with advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and augmented reality, will likely further reshape the surgical landscape. These technologies could enable more autonomous robotic systems that assist with decision-making during surgery or improve outcomes through real-time data analysis.
The added value of remote surgeries, enabled by robotic systems, has the potential to democratize access to healthcare without precedent.
The US continues to lead the development of new robotic systems, driven by private sector investment and competition. However, Europe has also become a center for medical innovation, with European companies developing competitive alternatives to American systems. This competition is expected to reduce costs and expand access to robotic surgeries in both regions.
The price factor could be a barrier to entry. Each system can cost between US$1 million and US$2.5 million, in addition to costs associated with maintenance and consumables, training and use of specialized instruments. Many European healthcare systems are publicly funded, making high upfront investments more challenging compared to the US private healthcare model.
In the US, where private healthcare dominates, hospitals often compete to offer the latest technologies, including robotic surgery. This has led to a rapid expansion of robotic systems. In contrast, Europe’s publicly funded healthcare systems generally require more deliberation before investing in new technologies. However, once adopted, Europe has focused on integrating robotic systems into standardized care pathways across large networks of hospitals.
The United States and Europe, despite having different healthcare models, are registering rapid growth in robotic-assisted surgeries. The shift to minimally invasive procedures, driven by the precision and advantages of robotic systems, promises to improve patient outcomes and change the way surgery is performed on a global scale. As competition and innovation in surgical robotics continues to evolve, both patients and healthcare providers can benefit from a future where surgery is safer, more precise, and less invasive.
By Daniel Barata Gomes, Managing Director of CNH