Is proctoring in robotic surgery truly helpful? Evaluating general surgeons’ perspectives

Abstract

Proctoring is a well-established teaching method in minimally invasive surgery, shown to enhance surgical safety and reduce operative time while facilitating faster skill acquisition. With the growing adoption of robotic platforms across multiple specialties, and the increasing interest among surgeons in integrating robotics into their practice, proctoring has re-emerged as an important training technique. While its benefits in laparoscopy are well documented, evidence regarding its role in robotic surgery-particularly from surgeons’ perspectives-remains limited. We conducted an online survey among general surgeons who had received proctoring sessions during their surgical careers. The aim was to assess their perceptions of proctoring in robotic surgery, focusing on its impact on their learning process, operative times, and integration into daily practice. Respondents were also invited to provide qualitative feedback on specific benefits of proctoring and areas for improvement. Of the 97 proctored surgeons invited to participate, 32 (33%) completed the survey. The majority were male, with a median of 15 years of professional experience. Most surgeons reported receiving proctoring for 2–4 cases, with credentialing cited as the most common reason. A statistically significant association was observed between the number of proctored cases and the perceived reduction in the learning curve (p = 0.0019). Surgeons also reported greater confidence in managing complex cases after proctoring (p = 0.0051) and increased adoption of robotics in their daily practice (p = 0.015). Proctoring appears to be a valuable educational tool for general surgeons incorporating robotic surgery. It helps shorten the learning curve, builds confidence in managing complex cases, and supports the integration of robotics into routine practice. In addition, proctoring connects trainees with experienced surgeons, enabling personalized guidance and meaningful knowledge exchange. Constructive feedback between proctor and trainee is essential to maximize the effectiveness of this training approach.