Current training landscape for novice robotic surgeons: an international investigative survey by the Junior-ERUS/Young academic urologists (YAU) robotics in urology working group - Report - MDSpire
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Current training landscape for novice robotic surgeons: an international investigative survey by the Junior-ERUS/Young academic urologists (YAU) robotics in urology working group
Global Assessment of Training Opportunities for Beginner Robotic Surgeons
Overview
A survey of 97 respondents from 49 institutions worldwide assessed the current landscape of robotic surgical training for novices. Most institutions offer structured robotic education with access to simulators, dual-console operating room training, and a substantial caseload exceeding 100 robotic procedures annually.
Background
Robotic surgery training programs are essential for novice surgeons to gain expertise safely and effectively. Despite the rapid increase in robotic procedures, transparency about training opportunities and structures remains limited, complicating the search for suitable programs. A comprehensive, standardized assessment of robotic education facilities can guide trainees to centers offering expert-led, structured curricula with adequate case exposure. This study aimed to map global training opportunities and promote a network of teaching institutions.
Data Highlights
Parameter
Value
Number of invitations sent
589
Response rate
16.5% (97 respondents)
Institutions represented
49 (39 European, 10 non-European)
Respondents offering robotic training
80 (82.5%)
Robotic education open to external applicants
58%
Robotic education restricted to internal applicants
42%
Robotic fellowship fully devoted to training
32%
Robotic fellowship with additional clinical tasks
68%
Robotic platforms available
Da Vinci multi-port (71%), Da Vinci single-port (6%), HUGO-RAS (15%), Versius (8%)
Training modalities offered
Simulator-based (89%), Dual-console OR training (65%), Single-console OR training (58%), Dry-lab (39%), Wet-lab (16%)
Majority of surveyed institutions (82.5%) provide robotic training opportunities.
58% of centers accept trainees from outside their institution, while 42% restrict training to internal candidates.
Most training programs require trainees to perform additional clinical/surgical duties; only 32% offer fellowships solely focused on robotic education.
Da Vinci multi-port systems are the predominant robotic platform, with emerging use of HUGO-RAS and Versius systems.
Simulator-based training is widely available (89%), complemented by hands-on operating room training using dual-console setups in 65% of institutions.
Annual institutional robotic caseloads are high, with 41% performing over 500 cases, ensuring adequate surgical exposure for trainees.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians seeking robotic training should consider institutions offering structured curricula with simulator access and dual-console OR experience to optimize skill acquisition. The high caseloads reported suggest ample opportunities for hands-on learning, but trainees should verify whether programs allow dedicated robotic fellowships or require additional clinical responsibilities. Awareness of available robotic platforms can help tailor training to specific surgical technologies.
Conclusion
This global survey highlights a diverse but robust landscape of robotic surgical training opportunities, emphasizing the importance of structured programs with adequate case exposure and multimodal training tools. The findings support the development of a networked directory to guide novice robotic surgeons toward optimal educational centers.
References
Junior-ERUS/YAU Robotics in Urology Working Group 2024 -- Global Assessment of Training Opportunities for Beginner Robotic Surgeons
by Christoph Würnschimmel, Mike Wenzel, Marcio Covas Moschovas, Paolo Dell’Oglio, Marco Paciotti, Carlo Andrea Bravi, Ruben De Groote, Fabrizio Di Maida, Federico Piramide, Filippo Turri, Iulia Andras, Gabriele Sorce, Nikolaos Liakos, Alberto Breda, Alessandro Larcher
