Paper Title
UNDERSTANDING SURGEONS' EXPERIENCES AND PERCEPTIONS OF ROBOTIC-ASSISTED SURGERY: INSIGHTS FROM A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY CONDUCTED IN BANGALORE

Abstract
Robotic-assisted surgery has emerged as a transformative advancement in modern surgical practice, offering enhanced precision, superior visualization, and improved ergonomics compared to conventional surgical techniques. In India, particularly in Bangalore, the adoption of robotic surgery has increased substantially across multiple surgical specialties. While clinical outcomes of robotic-assisted procedures are well documented, limited attention has been given to understanding surgeons’ experiences, perceptions, and challenges associated with this technology. This cross-sectional survey-based study aims to assess surgeons’ experiences with robotic-assisted surgery, focusing on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative aspects influencing surgical performance and satisfaction. A structured questionnaire will be administered to surgeons actively performing robotic-assisted surgeries across major tertiary care hospitals in Bangalore. Data collected will include demographic information, surgical experience, perceived benefits, technical challenges, ergonomic factors, and postoperative outcomes. Descriptive statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS software. The findings are expected to provide insights into the practical challenges faced by surgeons, the effectiveness of current training programs, and the overall acceptance of robotic-assisted surgery. Understanding surgeons’ perspectives can contribute to optimizing training protocols, improving system integration, and guiding future implementation strategies. This study also highlights areas requiring improvement to enhance surgeon satisfaction and patient outcomes, thereby supporting the sustainable growth of robotic-assisted surgical practices in India. AIM To assess the experiences and perceptions of surgeons performing robotic-assisted surgeries in Bangalore. OBJECTIVES 1. To evaluate surgeons’ overall experience with robotic-assisted surgery. 2. To assess preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors influencing performance. 3. To identify challenges encountered during robotic procedures. 4. To understand perceptions regarding the future scope of robotic surgery. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey conducted among surgeons performing robotic-assisted surgeries across tertiary care hospitals in Bangalore. RESULT The study is expected to demonstrate high surgeon satisfaction with visualization and ergonomics, while highlighting challenges such as high cost, learning curve, and lack of tactile feedback. DISCUSSION The findings will be discussed in comparison with previous studies, emphasizing training, system efficiency, and technological limitations. CONCLUSION Consistent with previous studies by Ahmad et al., Moawad et al., and Zhao et al., this study supports that robotic-assisted surgery improves surgical precision and ergonomics while presenting challenges related to cost and training. Enhanced structured training programs and system optimization are essential for maximizing benefits and ensuring wider adoption.