# A Brief History and the Current State of Robotic Mastectomy: a Review

## TL;DR

This review discusses the current state of robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy, highlighting its feasibility, patient satisfaction, and the need for long-term cancer outcome studies.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of robotic mastectomy techniques and outcomes, emphasizing the need for long-term clinical trials.

## Key findings

- Robotic NSM is feasible and can be mastered despite a learning curve.
- RNSM shows similar or improved short-term outcomes compared to conventional methods.
- Long-term oncologic safety of RNSM remains uncertain and requires further study.

## Abstract

To evaluate and describe the current indications, implementation, operative techniques, and patient outcomes for robotic nipple sparing mastectomy (RNSM).

The robotic approach to nipple-sparing mastectomies (NSM) has been shown to be feasible. The learning curve required by surgical teams can be overcome, but barriers to implementation exist, including higher cost and longer operative time compared to conventional nipple sparing mastectomies (CNSM). When performed, RNSM have been found to confer greater patient satisfaction and similar if not improved perioperative outcomes. However, the most critical current concern is the lack of long-term oncologic outcomes. The current available literature suggests short-term oncologic outcomes are not significantly different between RNSM and CNSM.

Randomized control trials with longer follow up are needed to determine the oncologic safety of RNSM and drive the future direction of this procedure.