Current status of robotic surgery in Japan gynecologic field

Abstract

Background: Gynecologic robotic surgery in Japan has been listed within the insurance coverage since 2018. Japan has also developed the Hinotori™ Robotic Assisted Surgery System and with the rise of medical robots, the percentage of robotic surgeries is expected to increase further in the future. Method: This paper summarizes the current Japanese insurance status, literature searched from Pubmed on each procedure, existing robotic products, and perspectives. Results: The amount of blood loss, hospital stay, and complications in benign diseases procedures such as myomectomy, simple hysterectomy, and surgery for endometriosis, all improved comparing laparotomy or endoscopic surgery with robotic surgery, reflecting the minimal invasiveness of robotic surgery. Malignant disease application of robotic surgery still needs further investigation on its safety and efficacy. We also summarized the features of 20 surgical robots currently on the market or under development. Conclusion: Robotic surgery will expand its application as technology advances in the gynecological field.

Keywords

• Robotic surgery
• Japan
• Gynecology
• Minimally invasive surgery