Innovation in Cancer Treatment: The Impacts of Robotic-Assisted Surgery Adoption at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute

Abstract

Robotic-assisted surgery has been actively applied in several fields of minimally invasive surgery, and its use in cancer treatment is increasing. This technology has diffused rapidly, despite high costs and limited reimbursement. Studies have proven the positive results of robotic surgery for patients' quality of life. The objective of this article is to describe the impacts of robotic-assisted cancer surgery adoption at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute. A single qualitative case study was conducted with a descriptive approach, and to have triangulation, data were collected from 3 different sources - participant observation, technical reviews, and seven semi-structured interviews with the main actors involved in the case - and analyzed through content analysis. Despite the considerable costs associated with robotic surgery, this innovation dramatically decreases the length of hospital stay and reduces complications and rehabilitates the patient in a much faster way.