The Current State of Robotic Pancreas Surgery: A Review of the Evolving Landscape and Future Directions

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review Surgical and technological advances have led to the increased adoption of robotic techniques for pancreatic surgery. In this review we aim to provide an overview of the current evidence for robotic intervention in pancreatic surgery. Recent Findings Clinical data indicate that robotic distal pancreatectomy and pancreatoduodenectomy are safe and technically feasible, with perioperative outcomes generally comparable to open and laparoscopic approaches. While robotic pancreatic surgery is traditionally reserved for anatomic resections, expansion of its use into higher complexity cases have emerged in the literature demonstrating early feasibility and safety. Summary Robotic pancreatic surgery is a safe option in expert hands, but its precise advantages over existing approaches, appropriate scope of application, cost-effectiveness, and long-term oncologic outcomes continue to be defined by an actively evolving evidence base. Future studies will continue to focus on adequately powered trials and should focus on the impact of newer robotic platforms.