Robotic training in transplant surgery fellowship: shaping the next generation of transplant surgeons

The indications for robotic surgery in transplant and HPB procedures are rapidly expanding. However, there is growing concern about the adequacy of robotic training during fellowship in preparing trainees for the evolving demands of modern transplant surgery. This is a single center, retrospective review of the robotic experience of 9-abdominal transplant fellows (ASTS) over a 7-year period (2017–2024) at a high-volume center. A 10-question survey was administered to elicit fellow perspective on their training. The 9 fellows participated in 692 of the total 860 robotic cases (80%) performed on the transplant service during the study period. Case breakdown was 337 (49%) transplant and 355 (51%) HPB cases. Fellows performed 91% of the operations on the console and 9% as bedside assistant. All fellows believed that robotic fellowship training will improve a fellow’s job prospects, and 87% felt that indications for robotic approaches in transplant surgery will broaden significantly. Incorporating formal robotic training in transplant surgery fellowships enhances the fellowship experience by better preparing fellows for the challenges of modern transplant surgery.