The evolution of robotic bariatric surgery.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The growth of bariatric surgery has resulted in varying types of procedures with increasing complexity. Robotic digital platforms are employed in bariatric surgery to address this increasing complexity in the high-risk obese patient population with difficult anatomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch are examined. Revisional cases, learning curves, and cost effectiveness are reviewed, with an eye toward the future of bariatric surgery as the use of robotics is adopted. CONCLUSION: Digital platforms are showing great promise as enabling technology which advance bariatric outcomes. With increasingly complex bariatric cases being performed and revised, the insertion of digital information between the surgeon and the patient leads to better operations for the patient and the surgeon.