Intuitive Study Finds Robotic Surgery Expands Access to Minimally Invasive Care

Intuitive (NASDAQ: ISRG), a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery, announced findings from two new studies showing that the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) improves access to minimally invasive care, especially in underserved regions known as "surgery deserts."

The research, published in the *Journal of the Society of Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeons* and *Annals of Surgery Open*, highlights how RAS helps hospitals overcome barriers such as surgeon training gaps and infrastructure limitations. In areas with limited access, patients are more likely to undergo open surgery, missing the benefits of minimally invasive techniques such as reduced recovery time and fewer complications.

One study showed that surgeon training and procedural experience account for two-thirds of disparities in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) access. RAS was found to reduce the learning curve, making MIS more accessible for patients across various demographics.

Another study analyzing 153 U.S. hospitals between 2016 and 2022 revealed that hospitals adopting RAS saw MIS rates rise from 60.5% to 65.8%, significantly higher than those without RAS, which rose only slightly from 56.1% to 57.0%. The gains were particularly notable in hernia repairs and colorectal surgeries, with improvements across age groups and insurance types.

The studies support the idea that RAS does not merely shift procedures from traditional laparoscopy but contributes to the overall growth of minimally invasive surgeries. To date, more than 16 million procedures using Intuitive systems have been performed worldwide.

For more information, visit [www.intuitive.com](http://www.intuitive.com).