Surgical Robots

What a surgical robot does

A surgical robot does not operate on its own. In robot-assisted surgery the surgeon stays in control, either working from a console with a magnified 3D view or guiding a robotic arm along a plan made before the operation. Depending on the system, the robot can filter hand tremor, scale movements and hold instruments steady, which can support minimally invasive, keyhole techniques. Whether robotic assistance suits a particular operation is a clinical decision for the surgical team and the patient.

The main types of surgical robot

Systems are usually grouped by the kind of surgery they support. Soft-tissue platforms are used for keyhole procedures in areas such as urology, gynaecology and general surgery. Orthopaedic robots help plan and carry out joint replacement and spine procedures against a model of the patient's anatomy. Other systems support neurosurgery, ear, nose and throat procedures, endoscopy and catheter navigation. Each type has its own instruments, imaging needs and training pathway, so hospitals usually compare systems within one speciality.

How hospitals typically evaluate them

A surgical robot is usually bought as a long-term programme rather than a single device. Hospitals typically weigh the purchase price alongside instruments and consumables, service agreements, theatre space and set-up time. Surgeon training and credentialing, expected case volumes across specialities and regulatory approval in the country of use all shape the decision. Ask makers for the full cost of ownership over the system's working life, and speak with hospitals already running the same system.

Sources and further reading

• Computer-Assisted Surgical Systems — US Food and Drug Administration.
  FDA explainer on robotically assisted surgical devices, what they are cleared for and how to report problems.
• IEC 80601-2-77:2019 Robotically assisted surgical equipment — ISO / IEC.
  Safety and essential-performance requirements for robotically assisted surgical equipment and systems.
• Medical Devices Rules, 2017 (text and amendments) — Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
  CDSCO page holding the Medical Devices Rules, 2017 and later amendments, such as UDI and sales registration.

Common questions

How much does a surgical robot cost?

Prices vary widely by system, speciality and configuration, and makers usually quote hospitals directly. Ask for the full cost of ownership, including instruments, consumables, servicing and training, rather than the purchase price alone.

Can I buy a surgical robot through The Humanoid Group?

Not yet. Surgical systems aren't in the THG Marketplace today; the rehabilitation, therapy, telepresence and care robots shown on this site are, with live prices or quotes on request.