The rapid uptake of robotic prostatectomy and its collateral effects

Abstract

The shift in radical prostatectomy practice patterns toward robotic procedures has had substantial collateral effects, impacting the delivery, access, and cost of prostate cancer care in the United States. In this issue of Cancer, Stitzenberg and colleagues examine how the uptake of robotic surgery has influenced centralization of prostate cancer surgery and effected travel distances for patients seeking prostate cancer surgery. Undoubtedly, robotic surgery has changed the face of prostate cancer care in this country, but still more research is needed to further understand how delivery, access, and cost of health care are impacted by technological innovation.