Expanding horizons: the role of robotic surgery in modern transplantation practices

Abstract

Robotic surgery has emerged as a transformative tool in modern surgical practice, offering enhanced precision, 3D visualization, and improved ergonomics. robotic-assisted procedures are increasingly being explored as viable alternatives to traditional open and laparoscopic approaches in the field of transplant medicine. We performed a structured narrative review of published literature focusing on robotic-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT), robotic liver transplant, and recent innovations in robotic pancreas and multivisceral transplantation. Comparative clinical outcomes were summarized and key perioperative metrics were tabulated. Accordingly, we demonstrated that robotic surgery offers promising results with reduced surgical site infection (SSI) rates, shorter hospital stays, favorable graft outcomes, and recovery metrics. Besides, novel applications, such as robotic heart, lung, and bladder transplants, are entering early clinical phases, supported by advances in surgical platform. While technical complexity, cost, and limited tactile feedback remain barriers, ongoing technological innovation and growing clinical experience are steadily expanding the role of robotics in transplant surgery. Future multicenter trials and long-term outcome data are essential to establish its place in routine clinical practice.