A health technology assessment of robot-assisted keyhole surgery is to be carried out by the Health Information and Quality Authority.

Robot-assisted surgery is an advanced method of keyhole surgery, which is also known as minimally invasive surgery or laparoscopic surgery. The technique may have application in a wide range of surgeries, including procedures in urology, gynaecology, cardiology and diseases of the head and neck.

Following a request from the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Authority has agreed to undertake the assessment of the use of the robotic technology for a range of different types of surgery.

The Authority has convened a multidisciplinary Expert Advisory Group chaired by the Authority’s Director of Health Technology Assessment, Dr Máirín Ryan, to oversee the process of the health technology assessment and to provide access to expert advice and information as required.

The terms of reference for the HTA are:

a) Describe the epidemiology and clinical burden associated with specified diseases in which robot-assisted surgery may be indicated. These include diseases in urology, gynaecology, cardiology and diseases of head and neck.

b) Review the evidence of the effectiveness and safety of robot-assisted surgery compared to other surgical interventions for specified indications.

c) Examine the cost-effectiveness of robot-assisted surgery compared to other surgical interventions for indications where there is evidence to show that it is more effective.

d) Estimate the budget impact of implementing robot-assisted surgery for the selected indication(s).

e) Examine the evidence and the research related to training and credentialing requirements to ensure safety and best outcomes.

f) Examine how the health system can be organised in order to implement the technology as effectively and efficiently as possible.

g) Consider any additional evidence that the technology is likely to have wider implications for the health system or for affected patients.

The Authority has convened a multidisciplinary Expert Advisory Group to oversee the process of the health technology assessment and to provide access to expert advice and information as required. The membership of the Expert Advisory Group is as follows:

1. Chair: Dr Mairin Ryan, Health Information and Quality Authority

2. Project Leader:Mr Martin Flattery, Health Information and Quality Authority

3. Dr Eibhlin Connolly, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health and Children

4. Dr Tammy Clifford, Chief Scientist, Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. Invited Expert.

5. Dr Noreen Gleeson, Consultant Gynaecologist, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, nominated by the Health Service Executive.

6. Ms Monica Griffin, CNM3, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, nominated by Operating Department Nurses Section, INMO.

7. Dr Patricia Harrington, Health Information and Quality Authority.

8. Ms Caroline Higgins, CNM3, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, nominated by Operating Department Nurses Section, INMO.

9. Mr Thomas Lynch, Consultant Urologist, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, nominated by the Health Service Executive.

10. Prof Declan Murphy, Consultant Urologist and Director of Robotic Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia. Invited Expert.

11. Ms Deirdre Murphy, Manager, Peer Support Programme, Irish Cancer Society. Nominated by Irish Cancer Society.

12. Mr Paddy O'Malley, Consultant Urologist, the Galway Clinic nominated by the National Cancer Control Programme.

13. Ms Moya Power, Advanced Nurse Practitioner Urology, University College Hospital Galway, nominated by the Irish Association of Urology Nurses.

14. Dr Craig Ramsay, Healthcare Assessment Programme Manager, University of Aberdeen. Invited expert.

15. Mr Gordon Smyth, Consultant Urologist, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, nominated by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

16. Mr Pat Smyth, National Programme Management Office, Health Service Executive. Nominated by Health Service Executive.

17. Mr Michael Tolan, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, St James’s Hospital, Dublin nominated by the Health Service Executive.

Further Information: 

Marty Whelan, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
01 814 7481 / 086 2447 623
mwhelan@hiqa.ie

Notes to the Editor: 

Robot-assisted surgery involves the use of a high-tech surgical tool to perform minimally invasive surgery.

Unlike traditional open surgery, which requires a long incision through the skin, tissue or muscle of the patient, minimally invasive procedures are done using a small number of short incisions.

It is claimed that robotic assisted surgery could result in better outcomes or reduced complications for patients undergoing procedures.

Such devices include up to four robotic arms equipped with surgical instruments, which are controlled by the surgeon from an operating console a short distance from the patient. The robotic system provides enlarged and 3D views of the surgical area.

The Health Information and Quality Authority has a statutory remit to undertake health technology assessments (HTAs) for the Department of Health and Children, and the HSE. The Authority advises the Minister for Health and Children and the HSE on the results of these assessments.