Robotic Evolution in Genitourinary Surgery: From a Promising Past to an Even More Exciting Future

It has been many years since the first robotic procedure was performed for the management of urological malignancy, and robotic surgery has evolved tremendously since then. This evolution includes not only technological advances, with the introduction of new and more innovative robotic platforms, but also a broader range of medical conditions treated using this technique. Every day, surgeons around the world are pushing the boundaries of robotic surgery by taking on challenging cases that, just ten years ago, would have been managed exclusively with open surgery.

The primary objective of this research topic is to embark on a journey through time, tracing the history of robotic surgery from its early years—when foundational principles were established that still underpin the field today—to the present and into the future, exploring contemporary concepts that will shape the next generation of robotic technology.

To predict the future, we must study the past:
A key aim of this topic is to examine the foundational steps and technological milestones of early robotic surgery and to follow their evolution, in order to help lay the groundwork for its future development. It is crucial to address the limitations and mistakes of the past to prevent similar failures in the future.

The future depends on what we do today:
Another important goal is to highlight the procedures and techniques that are now considered the gold standard. The approaches currently employed worldwide, and the robotic platforms in use, will define the starting point for further innovation.

We may not know what the future holds, but we know who shapes it:
Robotic surgery is undoubtedly the future of the field. While the exact nature of future surgical techniques and technologies remains unknown, robotics will continue to play a central role in the operating rooms of tomorrow. Many future advancements exist only as concepts or in published studies, as innovative researchers share or will share their visions. With this research topic, we aim to offer a glimpse into the future, stimulate exciting discussions, and perhaps even accelerate future developments.

Robotic technology now plays a role in every aspect of the surgical management of genitourinary pathologies. From malignancy to reconstruction, robotic assistance has become an integral part of daily clinical practice. We welcome contributions that address—but are not limited to—the following areas:

• Robotic surgery for malignant and benign diseases: traditional techniques and innovative approaches.
• Robotic reconstruction.
• Integration of artificial intelligence and virtual reality in robotic surgery.
• Novel techniques and challenging pathological entities.
• New robotic platforms and contemporary technologies.

We invite submissions of original articles, comprehensive and systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and case series relevant to the scope and aims of this research topic.

Keywords: Robotic Surgery, Urological Malignancy, Surgical Innovation, Robotic Platforms, Technological Evolution, Artificial Intelligence Integration, Genitourinary Reconstruction

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.