Abstract:

Since its introduction as a routinely used technology 15 years ago, robotic surgery has been developed in all specialties, and is the technique of choice in some surgical pathologies. However, its learning is not completely regulated, as residents do not have easy access to surgical robots in hospitals, especially in complex surgery such as bariatric surgery.

The acquisition of competences in bariatric robotic surgery includes a methodology based on the learning of robotic skills, the assessment of the control of robotics and the implementation of a structured learning protocol. Subsequent assessment of the acquisition of the competences and the methodology used will improve these learning processes.

In robotic surgery, the best way to perform this assessment in the acquisition of competences is the learning curve, surgical dexterity and visual spatial ability. The learning curve of robotic bariatric surgery is a method for determining and describing changes in outcomes through the surgeon’s experience, and can be used to plan training programs. The learning curve represents the period of time that the surgeon requires to learn and acquire a new surgical technology competence.

This study presents a guide to new and experienced surgeons who wish to plan learning in bariatric robotic surgery, based on an assessment of the learning curve.

Keywords:

Learning Curve, Bariatric Surgery, Robotics.