Development of robotic urologic surgery in Asia

With the introduction of robotic-assisted surgical systems to surgical practice, there has been great progress and advancement in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has proven useful in reducing the risks and complications associated with open surgical procedures, thereby extending the benefits of MIS to a broader population of patients. RAS has made its way into almost every surgical discipline. Urology has been in the forefront of employing and standardizing robotic-assisted procedures in fields such as oncologic and reconstructive urology. Although the da Vinci surgical system has been available for 17 years, high cost and steep maintenance fees have been major hurdles to its widespread acceptance. The next generation of surgical robots are being designed to expand robotic surgery into areas that are currently underserved, such as general abdominal, gynecological, and urological procedures, to enhance cost-effective management of patients. With the recent development and advancements in robotic technologies, RAS will continue to grow because of its tremendous potential to offer better health care to patients. Here, the pioneers from leading Asian institutions describe the development and current state of robotic surgery in their respective countries.