Diffusion of robotic platforms and new devices in HPB surgery: a European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (E-AHPBA) survey.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Robotic platforms in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery improved surgical precision and recovery. However, their adoption remains inconsistent. This study aims to assess the current status of robotic surgery in HPB procedures.

METHODS

The Innovation Committee of the European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (E-AHPBA) developed a web-based survey. The survey collected data from 82 European and African centers on the availability, usage, and surgical volumes of robotic platforms in liver and pancreatic resections. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses.

RESULTS

The survey found that 94% (77/82) of centers use robotic platforms for HPB surgery, but only 6% (5/82) rely solely on robotic systems. The Da Vinci Surgical System was the most commonly used platform, present in 88% (72/82) of centers. Regarding surgical volumes, 62% (51/82) of centers perform at least 20 robot-assisted liver resections annually, whereas only 2% (2/82) exceed 80 procedures. In pancreatic surgery, 28% (23/82) of centers do not utilize robotic platforms. Additionally, 37% (30/82) of centers perform fewer than 10 robot-assisted HPB resections per year. Conversely, 38% (31/82) report using robotic platforms 2-3 days per week.

DISCUSSION: Robotic platforms are increasingly incorporated into HPB surgery. However, their widespread adoption is limited by economic, logistical, and utilization constraints.