Educational note: teaching and training in robotic surgery. An opinion of the Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery Committee of the Brazilian College of Surgeons

Abstract

ABSTRACT With the expansion of robotic surgical procedures, the acquisition of specific knowledge and skills for surgeons to reach proficiency seems essential before performing surgical procedures on humans. In this sense, the authors present a proposal to establish a certification based on objective and validated criteria for carrying out robotic procedures. A study was carried out by the Committee on Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery of the Brazilian College of Surgeons based on a reviewing strategy of the scientific literature. The study serves as a reference for the creation of a standard for the qualification and certification in robotic surgery according to a statement of the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB) announced on December 17, 2019. The standard proposes a minimum curriculum, integrating training and performance evaluation. The initial (pre-clinical) stage aims at knowledge and adaptation to a specific robotic platform and the development of psychomotor skills based on surgical simulation. Afterwards, the surgeon must accompany in person at least five surgeries in the specialty, participate as a bedside assistant in at least 10 cases and perform 10 surgeries under the supervision of a preceptor surgeon. The surgeon who completes all the steps will be considered qualified in robotic surgery in his specialty. The final certification must be issued by the specialty societies affiliated to AMB. The authors conclude that the creation of a norm for habilitation in robotic surgery should encourage Brazilian hospitals to apply objective qualification criteria for this type of procedure to qualify assistance.