patient perceptions of minimally invasive robotic surgery: a systematic review

Advances in digital and mechanical technologies have profoundly transformed modern surgery. since itsapproval by the food and drug administration in 2000, the widespread integration of robotic-assisted surgery(ras) has created a complex ethical and political dynamic involving patients, healthcare professionals,manufacturers, and legislators. in this systematic review, we aimed to identify potential patient- and industryrelated drawbacks of ras early on and to promote public awareness of the technology. published data onpatient perceptions of ras from 2000 to 2024 were analyzed using the pubmed gateway and cochrane librarydatabases. studies focusing on clinical outcomes or the perceptions of surgeons and healthcare workers wereexcluded. extracted data included sample size, methodology, information sources, prevalent perceptions, andwillingness to undergo ras. a total of 12 studies involving 35,769 participants met our inclusion and exclusioncriteria. acceptance of ras was higher among individuals with higher education levels and in countries whereras is commonly practiced; however, concerns about manufacturing defects and the surgeon's experiencewith ras persisted. most participants understood that ras offers greater precision, less pain, and enablesfaster recovery. however, many believed that the robot operated autonomously. previous experience with andperceived ease of use of the robotic surgery platform were inversely associated with patients' informationlevels, suggesting that increased exposure may lead to a more realistic but not necessarily deeper understandingof robotic surgery. all included studies were questionnaire-based and varied in design, which may limit thegeneralizability of the findings. we conclude that the healthcare industry faces new challenges as innovationinfluences the sacred patient-physician relationship. ethical and legal considerations, including informedconsent, machine malfunction, cost-effectiveness, and troubleshooting support, affect patients' perceptions.additionally, the media plays a significant role in shaping public understanding of ras.registration: prospero id crd42025630165.