Language

English

Publication Date

8-1-2026

Journal

World Journal of Surgery

DOI

10.1002/wjs.70468

PMID

42444290

PMCID

PMC13460931

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

7-14-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Background: Implementation of remote robotic-assisted surgery (rRAS) has the potential to significantly improve access to high-quality surgical care for patients worldwide. Advances in robotic systems and telecommunications now enable highly reliable, low latency, and cybersecure connectivity. These technological developments, together with the broader adoption of telemedicine, have driven an increasing interest in the implementation of rRAS.

Methods: The Clinical Robotic Surgery Association (CRSA) convened a conference to develop international clinical recommendations for rRAS using the Danish Model of Consensus. The society identified five key issue categories and invited a panel of experts to address specific questions for each. Panel members and a jury of 10 unbiased, non-expert in rRAS professionals participated in a day-long conference on November 19, 2025 (Los Angeles, USA). During the conference, participants presented, discussed, and reached consensus on specific guidelines relevant to each category. Immediately after the conference, the jury reviewed and approved the recommended guidelines.

Results: Multiple recommendations were approved for each of the following categories: Operating Models, Roles and Responsibilities (2 recommendations), Clinical Pathway (2 recommendations), Emergency Management (8 recommendations), Technical Considerations (5 recommendations), and Medico-legal and Ethical Considerations (4 recommendations).

Conclusions: There was consensus that with recent advances in telecommunication and robotic technologies, rRAS can be offered safely and effectively if the identified safeguards are realized. Adoption of rRAS is expected to continue advancing rapidly.

Keywords

Robotic Surgical Procedures, Humans, Telemedicine, danish model of consensus, medical ethics, regulatory approval, remote robotic surgery, remote surgery, review, robotic workflow, robotic‐assisted surgery, telesurgery

Published Open-Access

yes

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