39 Evolution and Future Directions of Robotic-Assisted Urology

Urology has always been known as the surgical specialty that embraces new technology most readily resulting in the steady integration of novel approaches to urologic problems. This approach has led to the development of minimally invasive procedures that have replaced their more traditional surgical counterparts. Examples include stone disease management and the development of laser and thermotherapies for benign prostatic hypertrophy. Robotic surgery represents the next forefront of technology that will likely lead to dramatic changes in how urologic procedures will be performed in the future. Although there still exist unanswered questions as to the efficacy and outcomes regarding robotic surgery such as prostatectomy, the emergence of data to substantiate the benefits of robotic surgery seems inevitable. Urology is now experiencing many of the controversial issues that were discussed earlier in “General Surgery” with the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In the field of general surgery, laparoscopy changed the standard of care. Such a course of evolution is likely with robotic surgery in urology. All new technologies evolve over time. It is expected that future development will lead to alterations of our present approach. This chapter will serve as a brief overview of the processes that have led to the current state of surgical robotics in urology. Some insight into possible future directions of and challenges to robotics will be presented.

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