Authors' objectives:

This study aims to review the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of computer-assisted surgery using telemanipulators.

Authors' results and conclusions: Published health technology assessments indicate that there are limited data from studies, although there is initial evidence of the safety and efficacy of telemanipulators in some procedures when they are used at large academic centres for surgery on selected patients. Most studies are Level 3 and 4 observational studies and assess a wide variety of surgical procedures. Limited studies indicate the promise of telemanipulators, but their efficacy is not fully established. In some procedures, the advantages that telemanipulators may offer may also be achieved by non-robotic minimally invasive/laparoscopic techniques. To date, cost-effectiveness has not been demonstrated. Patients who have undergone robotic surgery must be followed to further define outcomes (e.g., long-term quality of the graft after coronary arterial bypass graft surgery). The exact role of computer-assisted surgery with telemanipulators has not been fully defined. Telemanipulators should be used in procedures for which their performance offers the greatest advantage over non-computer-enhanced surgical procedures.

Authors' recommendations: The exact role of computer-assisted surgery with telemanipulators has not been fully defined. Telemanipulators should be used in procedures when their performance offers the greatest advantage over no computer-enhanced surgical procedures. Evidence is incremental; true potential has not been fully explored Deemed by experts and literature to be investigational.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2004

URL for published report: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/mas/tech/reviews/pdf/rev_teleman_020104.pdf

URL for additional information: http://www.hqontario.ca/evidence/publications-and-ohtac-recommendations/ohtas-reports-and-ohtac-recommendations/computer-assisted-surgery-using-telemanipulators

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Medical Advisory Secretariat

Contact Address: Medical Advisory Secretariat, 20 Dundas Street West, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON M5G 2N6 CANADA. Tel: 416-314-1092l; Fax: 416-325-2364;

Contact Name: MASinfo.moh@ontario.ca

Contact Email: MASinfo.moh@ontario.ca

Copyright: Medical Advisory Secretariat, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care