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Hammond et al. Plast Aesthet Res 2024;11:28 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2024.27 Page 9 of 10

Table 1. Current benefits and limitations of robotic-assisted reconstructive surgery
Benefits and Limitations of Robotic-Assisted Reconstructive Surgery
Benefits Limitations
Perforator Circumnavigation and Dissection with High-Resolution Considered Off-Label by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.)
Optics and Superior Ergonomics. for Novel Reconstructive Applications.
Shorter Hospital Length of Stay and Lower Postoperative Opioid Institutional Costs of Surgical Robot Acquisition and Upkeep
Requirements Learning Curve for the Surgeon and Operating Room Staff
Decreased Donor Site Morbidity and Smaller Scars lead to Improved
Patient Satisfaction and Well-Being

robotic platform is established, it can present a significant learning curve for plastic surgeons and OR staff
with limited exposure; robotic flap harvest is associated with longer operating time compared to an open
approach during this learning period [10,17] . Even if a surgeon is adept at robotic techniques, training
deficiencies among operating room staff could serve as an additional bottleneck in robotic surgery
efficiency, leading to increasing operative time and costs . Though progress is being made in current
[12]
literature highlighting robotic plastic surgery, more barriers still need to be overcome before robotic
approaches to breast reconstruction become universal, including FDA approval. The current benefits and
limitations of robotic-assisted reconstructive surgery are outlined in Table 1.

SUMMARY
Robotic breast reconstruction facilitates a minimally invasive approach that decreases donor-site morbidity,
length of stay, and opioid requirements, and even improves patient satisfaction. Although barriers exist
regarding this technology, robotic latissimus and DIEP flap reconstruction can be safely learned and applied
with thoughtful patient selection and preoperative planning.

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
Made substantial contributions to the conception and design of the study and performed data analysis and
interpretation: Hammond JB, Egan KG, Selber JC
Performed data acquisition, as well as providing administrative, technical, and material support: Hammond
JB, Egan KG, Selber JC

Availability of data and materials
Not applicable.

Financial support and sponsorship
None.

Ethical approval and consent to participate
This manuscript was ethically composed from currently published literature outlining surgical techniques
involving human subjects; referenced studies were performed in accordance with the Declaration of
Helsinki, and these methods meet Institutional Review Board approval for exemption. Consent to
participate has been obtained from patients.

Consent for publication
All figures within the manuscript are original works and sourced from the senior author with permission for
publication.