Current Status of Robotic Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

While conventional laparoscopy is the gold standard for bariatric procedures, robot platforms can provide better ergonomics for the surgeon, better visualization of the anatomy, easier dissection through articulated devices, which cannot be supported by laparoscopy. This review explores the literature and examines the reported outcomes and complications in using robotics for bariatric surgery. Robotic approaches to adjustable gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, and revisional surgery are examined. Although many studies suffer from low levels of evidence, robotic application in the field of bariatric surgery continues to evolve with increasing literature and technology in surgical robotics.