Robotic-assisted surgery: A pathway to the future
Robotic-assisted surgery is transforming surgical care and a clear framework for adoption and expansion will support its long-term success.
This guidance provides recommendations for the safe and effective implementation of robotic-assisted surgery into surgical services in the UK, including training pathways, governance considerations and stakeholder responsibilities.
Download Robotic-assisted surgery: A pathway to the future
Summary
The use of robotic-assisted surgery offers enhanced precision, reduced complications and improved patient outcomes. It has become increasingly widespread across surgical specialties, particularly in urology and general surgery.
Despite its advantages, robotic-assisted surgery adoption has been inconsistent across the UK due to high costs, lack of national strategy, and limited access to training.
This guidance aims to address these challenges by proposing a framework for the adoption and expansion of robotic-assisted surgery in UK hospitals.
It includes:
- minimum training requirements for consultants and fellows;
- recommendations for training future surgeons;
- principles for building effective robotic surgical teams;
- roles and responsibilities for hospitals, surgeons, proctors, robotic companies, and regulators;
- governance considerations including consent, conflict of interest, and mentoring.
It is designed to support local and national decision-making and can be used by hospitals, training bodies, and policymakers to develop or refine their robotic-assisted surgery programmes.
Who is this guidance for?
This guidance is intended for:
- surgeons and surgical trainees
- hospital trusts and health boards
- surgical care practitioners and theatre teams
- robotics companies regulatory bodies, such as the General Medical Council
- surgical specialty associations
- commissioners and policymakers
Download Robotic-assisted surgery: A pathway to the future
Future of Surgery Festival, 20–21 April 2026, ICC Birmingham
We're bringing together surgeons and surgical teams for a first-of-its-kind UK festival dedicated to the future of surgery. With over 25 hours of curated content, workshops and the latest technology demonstrations, it's more than an event; it's a celebration of surgery. Bookings open this autumn.