Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Corresponding author: N. Training and credentialing for robotic surgery in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery is currently not standardized, but rather relies heavily on industry guidance.
This manuscript represents a comprehensive review of this increasingly important topic and outlines clear recommendations to better standardize the practice.
The recommendations provided can be used as a reference by individuals and institutions alike, and are expected to evolve over time. Robotic technology has afforded improvements in head and neck surgical techniques by providing enhanced visualization, increased manual dexterity, and the ability to perform surgery using a virtual environment. Although the system is not currently cleared for other procedures eg, thyroidectomy, neck dissection , the use of robotics in head and neck surgery is likely to expand as indications for surgery evolve and technologies advance.
Currently, no governing-body mandated credentialing guidelines exist for robotic surgery. Certification of robotic skill proficiency remains at the institutional level, may be widely variable, and often relies on industry guidance. This process lacks standardization and is not competency based, which leaves tremendous room for improvement.
Leadership in this area from the appropriate governing societies is critical for ensuring patient safety and public trust. Since then, a subcommittee of the AHNS Education Committee was tasked with further exploring the current status of training and credentialing of robotics in head and neck surgery and developing more detailed recommendations to improve the quality and consistency of training.
