Purpose of Technology

Robotically assisted surgery is minimally invasive surgery performed remotely from a computerized workstation where the surgeon views the operative field through a specialized camera arrangement.  The surgeon manipulates robotic arms to hold and position an endoscope to grasp, cut, dissect, cauterize, and suture tissue using hand controls and foot switches. Robotically assisted surgery is intended as an alternative to conventional laparoscopic surgical procedures to extend the capabilities of surgeons and address difficulties and morbidities associated with conventional laparoscopic technology.

Questions addressed in this report include:

• Are pediatric robotic surgery procedures feasible, and how does pediatric robotic surgery compare with other pediatric surgical techniques with respect to operative and postoperative outcomes, complication rates, and overall impact on clinical outcomes?
• What are the benefits, limitations, and risks of pediatric robotic surgery?
• Have definitive patient selection criteria been established for pediatric robotic surgery?

These questions provide a framework for review and synthesis of the best available evidence, which is presented in this report, along with the Hayes Ratings for the technology. This report also provides background information about the condition being treated, a description of the technology, and the context for development of the technology. Other key elements addressed in the report include the regulatory status; applicable Medicare and commercial payer coverage policies; relevant ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes; cost and cost effectiveness; credentialing; hospital length of stay; need for large case management; and ongoing and future clinical trials of the technology.

Posted in Directory Reports
This entry was posted on Friday, July 2nd, 2010 at 12:00 pm.