Objective:

To compare robotic-assisted surgery (RS) and laparoscopic surgery (LS) in anti-reflux and hiatal hernia procedures, focusing on operative outcomes and economic considerations, highlighting the importance of these comparisons for patient care.

Key Findings:

• Robotic surgery offers enhanced visualization and dexterity but is debated regarding its cost-effectiveness compared to laparoscopic surgery, with some studies showing RS may lead to longer operative times.
• Laparoscopic surgery remains the standard of care due to its established benefits in postoperative recovery and lower costs, with evidence supporting quicker recovery times.

Interpretation:

While RS may provide technical advantages, the current evidence does not conclusively demonstrate superior clinical outcomes or cost-effectiveness over LS for anti-reflux and hiatal hernia surgeries, which has implications for surgical decision-making.

Limitations:

• The review is limited to studies published in English and may not capture all relevant data.
• Variability in study designs and patient populations may affect the generalizability of findings.
• Potential biases in the included studies could influence the outcomes reported.

Conclusion:

Further research is needed to establish the long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness of robotic surgery compared to laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of GERD and hiatal hernias, particularly focusing on randomized controlled trials.