Trends in the Adoption of Robotic Surgery for Common Surgical Procedures

Increasing use of robotic surgery for common surgical procedures with limited evidence and unclear clinical benefit is raising concern. Analyses of population-based trends in practice and how hospitals' acquisition of robotic surgical technologies is associated with their use are limited.

To characterize trends in the use of robotic surgery for common surgical procedures. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study used clinical registry data from Michigan from January 1, 2012, through June 30, 2018. Trends were characterized in the use of robotic surgery for common procedures for which traditional laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery was already considered a safe and effective approach for most surgeons when clinically feasible. A multigroup interrupted time series analysis was performed to determine how procedural approaches (open, laparoscopic, and robotic) change after hospitals launch a robotic surgery program. Data were analyzed from March 1 through April 19, 2019. Exposures: Initiation of robotic surgery. Main Outcomes and Measures: Procedure approach (ie, robotic, open, or laparoscopic).