Robotic-assisted technique in plastic and reconstructive surgery: Experience in Taiwan.

[BACKGROUND] Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has increasingly been applied in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, offering enhanced precision, reduced invasiveness, and improved patient outcomes. This review summarizes Taiwan's pioneering experience with robotic-assisted techniques in this specialty, with an emphasis on clinical applications, educational models, and future directions.

[METHODS] A narrative literature review was conducted focusing on robotic-assisted plastic and reconstructive surgery with relevance to Taiwanese clinical practice. Articles published between January 2000 and April 2024 were considered. Searches were performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library using the keywords: "robotic surgery," "plastic surgery," "reconstructive surgery," "Taiwan," and "microsurgery." Inclusion criteria were: (1) studies involving robotic-assisted surgical techniques, (2) relevance to plastic and reconstructive surgery, (3) Taiwanese institutional or clinical context, and (4) availability of clinical or technical outcome data. Articles not published in English, lacking original data, or unrelated to the Taiwan context were excluded.

[RESULTS] Robotic-assisted techniques were successfully applied in various reconstructive domains, notably in microsurgical anastomosis for free flap procedures, nerve transfers, and minimally invasive mastectomies. These approaches demonstrated favorable outcomes in terms of operative precision, reduced complications, and patient satisfaction. Taiwan's major medical centers, including Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Taichung Veterans General Hospital, have been instrumental in driving these innovations. Furthermore, robotic training models facilitated the learning curve for microsurgeons and supported the integration of robotic platforms into surgical education.

[CONCLUSIONS] Taiwan's experience underscores the feasibility and clinical value of robotic-assisted techniques in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Robotic platforms not only improve surgical outcomes but also expand the scope of reconstructive options. Ongoing research and educational efforts are crucial to optimizing technique standardization and surgeon training in this rapidly evolving field.