Learning Curve of Robotic Gastrectomy: Lessons and Evidences

Abstract

Understanding the etiology of the learning curve and elucidating factors that affect the slope and length of an individual surgeon's learning curve is essential. Cumulative evidence from previous studies and additive insights from the recent learning curve study of multicenter prospective trials has unveiled several valuable findings. Consecutive 10-25 cases are required to reach proficiency level and 88 cases to reach mastery level in robotic gastrectomy (RG). Empirical evidence does not support mandating a requirement for extensive experience performing laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) prior to the initiation of RG training. The mode of training significantly affects the learning course, and self-learning with a mentoring system is better suited for the learning process of RG than solely relying on proctorship. A stepwise learning curriculum would facilitate novice practitioners in adapting to RG.