Authors' recommendations: Based on the evidence included in this technology assessment, robot-assisted surgery may have a significant impact on many clinical outcomes in patients undergoing prostatectomy, partialnephrectomy, or hysterectomy, and benefits vary between indications. However, given limitations of the available evidence, conclusions must be drawn carefully. Robotically-performed surgery iscostly compared with open and laparoscopic approaches. With respect to robotically-performed radical prostatectomy, this procedure is relatively expensive. The investment made in acquiring this technology is significant, and institutions that choose to adopt it should make efforts to monitor its costs and outcomes in order to maximize cost-effective use within their own centre. To decrease costs, centres should maximize caseloads, consider keeping the robot operational for longer durations if possible, and use the technology for multiple indications, particularly those with greater potential impact on important patient outcomes and savings on institutional costs.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.cadth.ca/en/products/health-technology-assessment/publication/2682

Year Published: 2010

URL for published report: http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/H0496_Surgical_robotics_e.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)