The Learning Curve of Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery and How to Start Applying Robotic Technology in Colorectal Surgery

Abstract

The mastery of the field of colorectal surgery, with its multitude of complex procedures and ever evolving modalities, begins in general surgery residency, often progresses to fellowship, and continues throughout one’s career as a lifelong endeavor. Many learning curves are encountered and overcome at each stage. During the training phase the mastery of new skills is developed in a controlled environment monitored by experienced surgeons. Post-training the surgeon learns, develops, and masters new skills in an environment that is sometimes without a roadmap, yet he or she has to begin successfully implementing this skill in a safe manner for his/her patients. Although learning curves are inevitable, they also impact the subset of patients who fall under the front end of the surgeon’s learning curve. During the initial learning curve, many factors contribute to the surgeon’s eventual acquisition of the desired skill.