Authors' objectives:

The primary aim of this health technology assessment is to determine the clinical effectiveness and the potential benefit of the currently marketed robotic surgical systems compared to standard interventions, either minimally invasive laparoscopic interventions or conventional open surgery and this for several indications.

Authors' recommendations: The system is expensive to acquire and use because of the necessary and expensive limited-use equipment. Currently over 20 robotic surgical systems are installed in Belgium. They are used mainly for prostatectomy, and many are not used to full capacity. Despite implicit or explicit claims that this technology is superior, for most indications its distinct advantages are currently unproven and highly dependent on surgical skills and professional experience. Because too many systems are scattered in different hospitals, resulting in underutilization, the required experience is difficult to acquire for many of the surgeons using these devices. Patients often must pay a nonreimbursable supplement for using this innovative technology, and they are not always fairly and clearly informed about the alternatives.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2009

URL for published report: https://kce.fgov.be/sites/default/files/page_documents/d20091027309.pdf

URL for additional information: https://kce.fgov.be/publication/report/robot-assisted-surgery-health-technology-assessment

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Belgium

Organisation Name: Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre

Contact Address: Administrative Centre Botanique, Doorbuilding (10th floor), Boulevard du Jardin Botanique 55, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium tel: +32 2 287 33 88 fax: +32 2 287 33 85

Contact Name: info@kce.fgov.be

Contact Email: info@kce.fgov.be

Copyright: <p>Belgian Federal Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE)</p>