Structured Training in Robotic Abdominal Wall Surgery: A Systematic Review of Educational Models, Methodologies, Existing Gaps and Unmet Needs

BackgroundRobotic-assisted abdominal wall surgery demands advanced technical proficiency. The advent of robotic platforms has driven the development of various training approaches, including simulation-based modules, animal models, and structured curricula. This systematic review critically assesses...

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Main Authors: Francesco Brucchi, Annabelle De Troyer, Alice Gori, Gianlorenzo Dionigi, Eva Vanderstraeten, Alexander Mottrie, Isabelle Van Herzeele, Niki Rashidian, Filip Muysoms
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Journal of Abdominal Wall Surgery
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Online Access:https://www.frontierspartnerships.org/articles/10.3389/jaws.2025.15190/full
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author Francesco Brucchi
Francesco Brucchi
Francesco Brucchi
Annabelle De Troyer
Alice Gori
Alice Gori
Gianlorenzo Dionigi
Gianlorenzo Dionigi
Eva Vanderstraeten
Alexander Mottrie
Isabelle Van Herzeele
Isabelle Van Herzeele
Niki Rashidian
Niki Rashidian
Filip Muysoms
author_facet Francesco Brucchi
Francesco Brucchi
Francesco Brucchi
Annabelle De Troyer
Alice Gori
Alice Gori
Gianlorenzo Dionigi
Gianlorenzo Dionigi
Eva Vanderstraeten
Alexander Mottrie
Isabelle Van Herzeele
Isabelle Van Herzeele
Niki Rashidian
Niki Rashidian
Filip Muysoms
author_sort Francesco Brucchi
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundRobotic-assisted abdominal wall surgery demands advanced technical proficiency. The advent of robotic platforms has driven the development of various training approaches, including simulation-based modules, animal models, and structured curricula. This systematic review critically assesses current training strategies and models, comparing their effectiveness in skill acquisition through validated assessment tools and evaluating their implementation from a cost-effectiveness perspective.MethodsA comprehensive search of the scientific literature was conducted across three major databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Google Scholar) up to April 2025. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251027155) and conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were selected based on inclusion of robotic training programs related to abdominal wall surgery.ResultsOut of 3,038 records identified, 8 studies were included. The overall methodological quality was acceptable, with all studies showing moderate risk of bias. Training models varied and included virtual reality simulation (n = 4), inanimate models (n = 3), porcine models (n = 2), and intraoperative training (n = 4). Three studies described integrated, proficiency-based curricula. Skill acquisition was reported using validated tools such as GEARS, OSATS, or the Zwisch scale in only two studies. Reported costs ranged from €40 for silicone models to €600 for porcine models; one study demonstrated $1,207 in cost savings per case post-training.ConclusionCurrent training models for robotic-assisted abdominal wall surgery are heterogeneous in design, assessment methods, and cost. While integrated curricula show promise, few studies employ validated tools to evaluate skill acquisition. Further high-quality research is needed to standardize training approaches and assess their cost-effectiveness.
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publishDate 2025-08-01
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series Journal of Abdominal Wall Surgery
spelling doaj-art-6f33aa1d039f4b248d8fd5e5188cba8b2025-08-20T03:44:06ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Journal of Abdominal Wall Surgery2813-20922025-08-01410.3389/jaws.2025.1519015190Structured Training in Robotic Abdominal Wall Surgery: A Systematic Review of Educational Models, Methodologies, Existing Gaps and Unmet NeedsFrancesco Brucchi0Francesco Brucchi1Francesco Brucchi2Annabelle De Troyer3Alice Gori4Alice Gori5Gianlorenzo Dionigi6Gianlorenzo Dionigi7Eva Vanderstraeten8Alexander Mottrie9Isabelle Van Herzeele10Isabelle Van Herzeele11Niki Rashidian12Niki Rashidian13Filip Muysoms14Department of General Surgery, University of Milan, Milan, ItalyORSI Academy, Melle, BelgiumDepartment of General Surgery, AZ Maria Middelares, Ghent, BelgiumDepartment of General Surgery, Ziekenhuis Aan de Stroom (ZAS) Antwerp, Antwerp, BelgiumORSI Academy, Melle, BelgiumDepartment of General Surgery, University of Bologna, Bologna, ItalyDivision of General and Endocrine Surgery, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifco), Milan, ItalyDepartment of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, ItalyORSI Academy, Melle, BelgiumORSI Academy, Melle, BelgiumORSI Academy, Melle, BelgiumDepartment of Thoracovascular Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, BelgiumORSI Academy, Melle, BelgiumDepartment of General, HPB Surgery, and Liver Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, BelgiumDepartment of General Surgery, AZ Maria Middelares, Ghent, BelgiumBackgroundRobotic-assisted abdominal wall surgery demands advanced technical proficiency. The advent of robotic platforms has driven the development of various training approaches, including simulation-based modules, animal models, and structured curricula. This systematic review critically assesses current training strategies and models, comparing their effectiveness in skill acquisition through validated assessment tools and evaluating their implementation from a cost-effectiveness perspective.MethodsA comprehensive search of the scientific literature was conducted across three major databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Google Scholar) up to April 2025. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251027155) and conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were selected based on inclusion of robotic training programs related to abdominal wall surgery.ResultsOut of 3,038 records identified, 8 studies were included. The overall methodological quality was acceptable, with all studies showing moderate risk of bias. Training models varied and included virtual reality simulation (n = 4), inanimate models (n = 3), porcine models (n = 2), and intraoperative training (n = 4). Three studies described integrated, proficiency-based curricula. Skill acquisition was reported using validated tools such as GEARS, OSATS, or the Zwisch scale in only two studies. Reported costs ranged from €40 for silicone models to €600 for porcine models; one study demonstrated $1,207 in cost savings per case post-training.ConclusionCurrent training models for robotic-assisted abdominal wall surgery are heterogeneous in design, assessment methods, and cost. While integrated curricula show promise, few studies employ validated tools to evaluate skill acquisition. Further high-quality research is needed to standardize training approaches and assess their cost-effectiveness.https://www.frontierspartnerships.org/articles/10.3389/jaws.2025.15190/fullrobotic-assisted surgeryabdominal wall surgeryproficiency-based trainingsurgical trainingstructured curricula
spellingShingle Francesco Brucchi
Francesco Brucchi
Francesco Brucchi
Annabelle De Troyer
Alice Gori
Alice Gori
Gianlorenzo Dionigi
Gianlorenzo Dionigi
Eva Vanderstraeten
Alexander Mottrie
Isabelle Van Herzeele
Isabelle Van Herzeele
Niki Rashidian
Niki Rashidian
Filip Muysoms
Structured Training in Robotic Abdominal Wall Surgery: A Systematic Review of Educational Models, Methodologies, Existing Gaps and Unmet Needs
Journal of Abdominal Wall Surgery
robotic-assisted surgery
abdominal wall surgery
proficiency-based training
surgical training
structured curricula
title Structured Training in Robotic Abdominal Wall Surgery: A Systematic Review of Educational Models, Methodologies, Existing Gaps and Unmet Needs
title_full Structured Training in Robotic Abdominal Wall Surgery: A Systematic Review of Educational Models, Methodologies, Existing Gaps and Unmet Needs
title_fullStr Structured Training in Robotic Abdominal Wall Surgery: A Systematic Review of Educational Models, Methodologies, Existing Gaps and Unmet Needs
title_full_unstemmed Structured Training in Robotic Abdominal Wall Surgery: A Systematic Review of Educational Models, Methodologies, Existing Gaps and Unmet Needs
title_short Structured Training in Robotic Abdominal Wall Surgery: A Systematic Review of Educational Models, Methodologies, Existing Gaps and Unmet Needs
title_sort structured training in robotic abdominal wall surgery a systematic review of educational models methodologies existing gaps and unmet needs
topic robotic-assisted surgery
abdominal wall surgery
proficiency-based training
surgical training
structured curricula
url https://www.frontierspartnerships.org/articles/10.3389/jaws.2025.15190/full
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