SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 7, 2025 – Intuitive, a global leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), has published two groundbreaking studies highlighting the critical role of RAS in expanding access to high-quality care. These findings emphasize how robotic-assisted procedures contribute to improving patient outcomes, especially in medical deserts, and ultimately aid the growth of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), benefiting patients globally.
Addressing the Challenge of Medical Deserts
The first study, titled "Minimally Invasive Surgery Deserts: Is There a Role for Robotic Assisted Surgery?" sheds light on regions where patients face significant barriers to accessing high-quality minimally invasive surgery. These challenges arise due to factors such as limited surgeon training, inadequate hospital infrastructure, and geographic location. The study reveals that robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) offers a solution by making it easier for hospitals and surgeons to adopt minimally invasive procedures, even in underserved areas.
"Myriam Curet, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Intuitive, stated, 'Minimally invasive surgery offers profound benefits for patients, from shorter recovery times to reduced postoperative complications, yet too many patients lack access due to barriers like surgeon training or hospital location. This paper underscores the need for innovative solutions to give hospitals and surgeons more options to improve patient care and outcomes.'"
Key Insights from the Study:
- Medical Deserts Defined: A medical desert refers to regions where patients struggle to access healthcare services, particularly MIS.
- Barriers to Access: Factors like surgeon training and hospital characteristics are primary contributors to the limited use of MIS, especially in rural areas.
- Impact of Robotic-Assisted Surgery: RAS addresses these challenges by offering a shorter learning curve for surgeons, enabling quicker adoption and expanding access to care. Additionally, telementoring can help support underserved regions remotely.
Increasing Adoption of Minimally Invasive Surgery with RAS
Building on the previous study, the second research paper, "Rates of Minimally Invasive Surgery after Introduction of Robotic-Assisted Surgery for Common General Surgery Operations," explores how the adoption of robotic-assisted technology has increased MIS rates in hospitals across the U.S. The study reviewed data from 408 hospitals between 2016 and 2022, focusing on 153 hospitals that introduced RAS for common surgeries such as hernia repairs, colorectal resections, and cholecystectomies.
Findings from the Study:
- Higher Adoption Rates: Hospitals with RAS technology saw an increase in MIS rates from 60.5% to 65.8%, while hospitals without RAS experienced a much smaller increase (56.1% to 57.0%).
- Broader Access Across Demographics: RAS adoption led to notable improvements in MIS access for patients aged 35 and older and those with Medicare or commercial insurance.
- Consistent Gains Across Procedures: The most significant improvements in MIS adoption were seen in hernia repairs and colorectal resections, where RAS hospitals outperformed non-RAS hospitals.
Expert Insight:
Dr. Zhi Ven Fong, co-author and surgeon at Mayo Clinic Arizona, noted, "These findings suggest that the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery is helping to expand patient access to minimally invasive techniques. By removing some of the technical challenges of traditional laparoscopy, RAS has the potential to make minimally invasive surgery a more viable option for a broader range of patients."
A Broader Impact on Healthcare Access
The research underscores the broader impact of robotic-assisted surgery on healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas. With the ability to overcome barriers such as the steep learning curve associated with traditional laparoscopy, RAS allows more surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision and efficiency. The technology also supports telemedicine solutions that can extend the reach of experienced surgeons into regions where specialized care is scarce.
By enabling hospitals to perform minimally invasive procedures, RAS is contributing to improved patient outcomes, including faster recovery times and fewer complications. To date, more than 16 million patients have benefitted from procedures performed with Intuitive's advanced technologies, such as the da Vinci surgical system.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Access and Optimizing Care
Intuitive remains committed to expanding access to minimally invasive care through continued research and innovation. The company's efforts to bridge gaps in healthcare access are vital in ensuring that patients, regardless of their location, receive the best possible care. To learn more about how Intuitive is advancing robotic-assisted surgery and improving patient outcomes, visit www.intuitive.com.