Robotic Surgical Systems in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Robotic surgical systems are increasingly being used in plastic and reconstructive surgery due to their accuracy, stability, and ease of control. These systems have been applied in microsurgery, breast reconstruction, transoral robotic surgery, maxillofacial surgery, and hair transplantation. The MUSA, a robotic platform designed for microsurgery, has shown improved patient outcomes and feasibility in treating breast cancer-related lymphedema. Robotic systems have also been used in breast reconstruction, with studies showing less bleeding, high postoperative patient satisfaction, and decreased postoperative pain and complications. In hair transplantation, the ARTAS Robotic System has improved the accuracy and efficiency of follicular unit extraction. Despite these advancements, there are still challenges in applying robotic systems to plastic surgery, including the lack of automation, the complexity of soft tissue operations, and high costs. However, the widespread use of robotic surgical systems in plastic and reconstructive surgery is expected to increase with technological advancements.