A Systematic Review to Summarise and Appraise the Reporting of Surgical Innovation: a Case Study in Robotic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

TL;DR

This paper reviews how well studies on robotic gastric bypass surgery report their methods and results, finding significant gaps in quality and consistency.

Contribution

The study evaluates the reporting quality of robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass using the IDEAL framework for the first time.

Findings

Forty-seven studies showed incomplete reporting of governance, ethics, and surgeon training.

Outcome reporting was inconsistent and did not align with IDEAL guidelines.

The study highlights the need for better prospective research using standardized reporting frameworks.

Abstract

Robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RRYGB) is an innovative alternative to traditional laparoscopic approaches. Literature has been published investigating its safety/efficacy; however, the quality of reporting is uncertain. This systematic review used the Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment and Long-term follow-up (IDEAL) framework to assess the reporting quality of available literature. A narrative summary was formulated, assessing how comprehensively governance/ethics, patient selection, demographics, surgeon expertise/training, technique description and outcomes were reported. Forty-seven studies published between 2005 and 2024 were included. There was incomplete/inconsistent reporting of governance/ethics, patient selection, surgeon expertise/training and technique description, with heterogenous outcome reporting. RRYGB reporting was poor and did not align with IDEAL guidance. Robust prospective studies reporting findings using IDEAL/other guidance are required to facilitate safe widespread adoption of RRYGB and other surgical innovations.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11695-024-07329-8.

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