Future perspectives in robotic surgery

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Robotic surgery in its current form has established itself as a viable treatment option for several indications and the gold standard for a few indications. This has occurred because of the improved technology built into the robotics system. This paper looks at the brief history of robotics in surgery. Then we review in more detail some of the future possible additions to the technological armamentarium that might significantly improve the ways that surgeons perform robotic surgery. Robotics of the current day have advanced significantly from early computer‐aided design/manufacturing systems to modern master‐slave robotic systems that replicate the surgeon's exact movements onto robotic instruments in the patient. Globally >300 000 robotic procedures were completed in 2010, including ≈98 000 robot‐assisted radical prostatectomies. Broadening applications of robotics for urological procedures are being investigated in both adult and paediatric urology. The use of the current robotic system continues to be further refined. Increasing experience has optimized port placement reducing arm collisions to allow for more expedient surgery. Improved three‐dimensional camera magnification provides improved intraoperative identification of structures. Robotics has probably improved the learning curve of laparoscopic surgery while still maintaining its patient recovery advantages and outcomes. The future of robotic surgery will take this current platform forward by improving haptic (touch) feedback, improving vision beyond even the magnified eye, improving robot accessibility with a reduction of entry ports and miniaturizing the slave robot. Here, we focus on the possible advancements that may change the future landscape of robotic surgery.