The current and future use of imaging in urological robotic surgery: a survey of the European Association of Robotic Urological Surgeons

Abstract

BACKGROUND: With the development of novel augmented reality operating platforms the way surgeons utilise imaging as a real-time adjunct to surgical technique is changing. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed via the European Robotic Urological Society mailing list. The questionnaire had three themes: surgeon demographics, current use of imaging and potential uses of an augmented reality operating environment in robotic urological surgery. RESULTS: 117 of the 239 respondents (48.9%) were independently practising robotic surgeons. 74% of surgeons reported having imaging available in theatre for prostatectomy 97% for robotic partial nephrectomy and 95% cystectomy. 87% felt there was a role for augmented reality as a navigation tool in robotic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This survey has revealed the contemporary robotic surgeon to be comfortable in the use of imaging for intraoperative planning it also suggests that there is a desire for augmented reality platforms within the urological community.