Robotic telesurgery: Technological fundamentals, clinical applications and perspective
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Abstract
Introduction: Robotic bariatric surgery has established itself as a safe and effective approach for the treatment of severe obesity. At the same time, recent advances in connectivity and digital infrastructure have rekindled interest in telesurgery as a strategy to expand access to specialized surgery, especially in scenarios of inequality in the distribution of centers of excellence.
Objective: To discuss robotic bariatric surgery as a strategic platform for the development of telesurgery, with emphasis on its implications for care, medical education and academic research.
Method: Review of the fundamentals of robotic bariatric surgery, the conceptual evolution of telesurgery and the potential of bariatric surgery as a model applicable to remote interventions, discussing the impacts on the formation and supervision of surgical teams, the main technical challenges in addition to the ethical, legal and regulatory issues involved in the implementation.
Results: Considering only articles that were more related to the theme, the full texts were read and 21 articles were included.
Conclusion: Robotic bariatric surgery goes beyond the role of a minimally invasive technique and is a central element in the digital transformation of surgery. Its progressive integration into telesurgery can contribute to the democratization of access, innovation in teaching, and strengthening of surgical research as long as it is implemented gradually and safely.
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