Exploring the Use of Robotics in Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery: A Comprehensive Perspective

Abstract

Rapid advancements have revolutionized robot-assisted surgery (RAS) in the healthcare field, owing to substantial investments in the technology. The development of RAS progressed alongside advancements in microscopes and instruments, enabling microsurgeons to perform supermicrosurgical procedures in a more precise and efficient manner. This paper critically appraises the contemporary literature on RAS, exploring the risks and benefits of integrating and investing in emerging robotic technologies within plastic and reconstructive surgery, along with its limitations and challenges. This narrative review includes systematic reviews, case series, and prospective and retrospective reviews retrieved from PubMed published within the last 10 years, written in English, and conducted in live human subjects. Studies addressed applications of RAS in microsurgery, head and neck reconstruction, breast reconstruction, lymphovenous anastomosis, and aesthetic procedures. The review emphasized clinical outcomes, ergonomic impacts, patient satisfaction, safety, complication rates, and technological innovations. The current literature suggests that RAS is comparable, if not superior, to conventional techniques with respect to safety and effectiveness in specific reconstructive procedures. Reported benefits encompass shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, improved cosmetic outcomes, and enhanced surgeon dexterity. However, challenges persist, such as steep learning curves, high acquisition and maintenance costs, and a lack of tactile feedback, although these limitations are slowly being overcome through continued research and technological innovations. RAS is revolutionizing plastic and reconstructive surgery by enhancing surgical precision, ergonomics, and patient recovery. However, widespread adoption is constrained by substantial costs and the pace of technological evolution. Evidence has shown how it has become an essential component of modern surgical practice. Future research should prioritize high-quality comparative trials, cost-effectiveness analyses, and training programs to facilitate broader clinical integration.