<< Back to the abstract archive
The Current State of Robotic-Assisted Surgery in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: An ASPS Survey of National and International Plastic Surgeons
Abigail Royfman, BS, Casey Zhang, BS, Bernice Yu, DO, Aparna Vijayasekaran, MBBS, Alice Yao MD, Andrea Moreira, MD
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
2025-01-16
Presenter: Abigail Royfman
Affidavit:
I certify that the material proposed for presentation in this abstract has not been published in any scientific journal or previously presented at a major meeting.
Director Name: Vu Nguyen
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Background:
The adoption of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in plastic surgery is limited due to training barriers, regulatory challenges, and restricted applications. With the increasing popularity of robotic procedures, robotic-assisted Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery (DIEP) flap has gained notable recognition as a viable option. This study examines the current use of robotic surgery among practicing plastic surgeons.
Methods:
An ASPS-approved survey was distributed at the 2024 ASPS Meeting and 2024 European Microsurgery Meeting. The survey addressed practice type, surgical robot access, familiarity, experience, training, and interest. Survey responses were recorded, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize major trends.
Results:
The response rate was 49% (65/132). 42% of plastic surgeons worked in an academic setting, 11% in private, 42% in a hospital-based setting. 43% were familiar with robotic-assisted DIEP flaps. 89% of USA respondents reported access to robots compared to 66% of international respondents. 35% of USA respondents performed robotic-assisted plastic surgery procedures compared to 38% of international respondents. Of respondents performing robotic surgery, 58% were board-certified in general surgery. Barriers included lack of training (48%), low demand (22%), extended surgery time (22%), and financial constraints (37%). Importantly, despite these barriers, 98% of respondents expressed interest in robotic surgery, especially for DIEP flaps (51%), rectus flaps (12%), head and neck (22%).
Conclusion:
Our study reveals a considerable and wide range of interest among plastic surgeons in integrating robotic surgery into their practice. Ongoing collection of international and subspecialty data will afford additional insight into the growing role of robotic surgery.
