Robotic surgery is quickly gaining widespread acceptance in the ORL community as a tool to
improve effectiveness of surgery and reduce complications. However this technology is still
relatively young. As such hospitals are confronted with the daunting task of recommending
large investment in equipment without a clear understanding of its applications usage or
evidence base. This special issue of ORL is a welcome guide to surgical teams tasked with
setting up or enhancing a robotic surgery theater. Experts in the field give a clear unbiased
assessment of the tools currently available to surgeons and present views of how technologies
such as augmented reality will impact surgical practice in the future. The publication provides
a clear overview of the rationale techniques and evidence of this technology. The main
indications for such procedures are covered not just at a US or European level (e.g. transoral
robotic surgery) but worldwide (e.g. para- and thyroidectomy). This publication is a must-read
for practitioners of head & neck surgery plastic reconstructive surgery sleep surgery and
endocrine surgery as well as for anesthetists.
