meerecompany
“The biggest change since adopting robotic surgery has been the confidence that patients can recover more comfortably. When surgeons can operate with peace of mind, surgical outcomes naturally improve.”
This is the response from three surgeons at Korea Cancer Center Hospital, which has implemented and actively operates the Korean-developed surgical robot, Revo-i. In a recent interview, meerecompany spoke with Dr. Kang Hyon Song, Director of the Robotic Surgery Center and Department of Urology; Dr. Lee Myung-Chul, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery; and Dr. Kang Ji-Sik, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, to hear their insights on their experiences with robotic surgery.
Korea Cancer Center Hospital has rapidly achieved significant robotic surgery milestones, including surpassing 300 Revo-i procedures.
“Steady Increase in Revo-i Surgeries Since the First Procedure… Performing Them Flawlessly Is Key”
Dr. Song of the Urology Department shared his thoughts on achieving 300 Revo-i procedures, stating: “I remember every patient, but the first surgery stands out the most. Both the medical team and the company were nervous, but successfully completing that first case gave momentum to our robotic surgery program.”
He emphasized that another key milestone in reaching 300 cases was the establishment of standardized surgical guidelines for Revo-i procedures. In the early days of its adoption at Korea Cancer Center Hospital, the lack of references due to Revo-i not yet being widely used in other hospitals meant that each surgery was a new challenge. “This entire process has been a clinical journey toward defining standardized surgical guidelines for the Korean surgical robot Revo-i,” he added.
Having now surpassed Revo-i 100 procedures himself, Dr. Song stressed that the most crucial aspect is maintaining surgical stability despite the growing number of cases. Korean Cancer Center Hospital is now actively training surgeons from hospitals in Revo-i robotic surgery around the world, further expanding its impact.
Currently, the majority (80%) of Revo-i robotic surgeries at the Korean Cancer Center Hospital Urology Department are for prostate cancer, followed by procedures for kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and ureteral cancer.
“The Ideal Outcome Is When Patients Forget They Even Had Surgery”
Dr. Lee Myung-Chul of the Otolaryngology Department discussed the role of robotic surgery in ENT procedures, stating, “Our field involves operating on extremely narrow areas, such as the neck and oral cavity. In some cases, accessing the thyroid, which is only 3 to 4 cm in size, necessitates relatively large incisions, such as a transoral approach.” He further noted that many patients opt for robotic surgery to minimise scarring.
Emphasising the aesthetic advantage of Revo-i robotic surgery, he remarked, “Because skin incisions are minimised, patients can heal with results so natural that they may not even realise they underwent surgery.”
Although robotic surgery is not yet applicable to all ENT procedures, Dr. Lee explained that it is most commonly performed in areas where access is relatively easier, such as thyroid and tonsil surgeries.
When asked about the future of robotic surgery in ENT, Dr. Lee predicted, “In 10 to 20 years, I believe robotic surgery will be feasible for all ENT procedures. I am steadily broadening its applications, having started with thyroid surgery and now incorporating lymphadenectomy and parathyroidectomy. Revo-i has played a crucial role in this progress.”
Looking ahead, he expressed his ambition to expand robotic surgery to laryngeal cancer procedures, stating: “While surgeries for the tongue and tonsils are relatively straightforward, laryngeal cancer surgery requires instruments to enter at a 90-degree angle through the mouth, demanding highly precise joint articulation. We are currently in the early stages of introducing robotic techniques for laryngeal cancer procedures.”
“All Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgeries Can Be Performed Robotically”
Dr. Kang Ji-Sik of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department highlighted the versatility of robotic surgery, stating: “Any procedure that can be performed laparoscopically can also be done using robotic surgery. With Revo-i, we are seeing the expected benefits of robotic procedures. Except for cervical cancer surgeries, we have used Revo-i for all gynecologic operations.”
He identified the reduction of lymphedema as one of the biggest advantages of robotic surgery: “Lymph node removal in cancer surgery carries a lifelong risk of complications such as lymphedema. However, robotic surgery allows for a less invasive approach, significantly mitigating this issue. Its benefits are particularly evident in myomectomy procedures.”
He further explained the physical demands of laparoscopic surgery, stating, “Performing myomectomy with conventional laparoscopy places a significant physical strain on the surgeon. Robotic surgery not only alleviates this burden but also greatly reduces blood loss.”
Dr. Kang also addressed a frequently asked question he encounters in medical conferences and clinical settings: “Surgeons who primarily use laparoscopy often ask why robotic surgery is necessary. However, once they become accustomed to it, they experience a dramatic reduction in stress and physical fatigue.” He emphasised both the psychological and physical advantages of robotic surgery, advocating for its broader adoption.
“As the Clinical Benefits of Robotic Surgery Become More Recognised, Patient Perception Has Greatly Improved”
Dr. Song of the Urology Department reflected on the initial reactions patients had toward robotic surgery, stating, “When Revo-i was first introduced, many patients would ask, ‘Does the robot perform the surgery, or does the doctor?’ Some even hesitated between choosing laparoscopic or robotic surgery.”
However, the situation has changed dramatically. “Today, 80 to 90% of prostate cancer surgeries in urology are performed robotically,” Dr. Song explained. “Now, patients arrive already familiar with robotic and laparoscopic surgery, having researched their options in advance.” He added, “It’s because robotic surgery has become the preferred approach for prostate cancer treatment due to its numerous clinical advantages over other methods.”
He further emphasized that treatment success rates should be the top priority in cancer surgery, stating, “Robotic surgery does not fall behind open or laparoscopic surgery in terms of treatment outcomes. Additionally, it provides a clear advantage in preserving the patient’s quality of life by reducing complications such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.”
Highlighting the impact of Revo-i robotic surgery on patients, he added, “One of the biggest concerns for patients after cancer surgery is whether they will need to wear adult diapers. With robotic surgery, more patients are finding that this is no longer a worry.” He concluded, “Because robotic surgery significantly improves patients’ quality of life, its use will only continue to grow.”
“Seamless Communication with the Company. The Biggest Advantage of a Korean Manufacturer”
Unlike urology, robotic surgery has not yet become the standard in otolaryngology. Dr. Lee Myung-Chul of the Otolaryngology Department emphasised the critical need for precision in ENT surgeries, stating, “Because we operate on the throat and oral cavity, precision is paramount. These areas are densely packed with essential functions for eating, speaking, and breathing, so even minor surgical errors outside the target area can result in severe complications.”
He continued, “In urology, robotic surgery has become the standard, with over 90% of prostate cancer surgeries performed robotically. However, ENT has yet to reach that level of adoption.”
That said, collaborating with companies to expand the applications of robotic surgery has highlighted the advantages of working with a Korean manufacturer. Dr. Lee shared an example, stating, “In the past, when performing endoscopic surgeries, I developed a transaxillary-breast approach. While applying this technique to robotic surgery, I worked closely with meerecompany to refine the process.” He further emphasised, “meerecompany is a company that responds immediately to surgeons’ requests and quickly improves its products accordingly. This swift collaboration and adaptability are key advantages that set Revo-i apart from its competitors.”
“Revo-i Robotic Surgery Reduces Surgeon Fatigue and Enhances Workforce Efficiency”
Surgeons across urology, obstetrics and gynecology, and otolaryngology unanimously pointed to two key benefits of Revo-i robotic surgery: Reduced surgeon fatigue and improved workforce efficiency. They also emphasized that the postoperative burden on medical staff has significantly decreased.
As robotic surgery continues to offer advantages for both surgeons and patients, public perception among patients and caregivers is also shifting positively. However, the lack of insurance coverage for robotic surgery remains an ongoing challenge.
Dr. Song of the Urology Department stressed the urgent need for insurance reimbursement, stating, “In urology, over 90% of patients opt for robotic surgery because of its clear benefits, yet it remains uncovered by insurance. If coverage were introduced, more patients could receive its advantages, and the adoption of Revo-i, a Korean developed system, would also expand.”
He further emphasised, “While most patients opt for robotic surgery, the financial burden remains high for those without private insurance. It is time for serious discussions on implementing insurance coverage for robotic surgery in Korea.”
“High Expectations for the Next-Generation Revo-i”
As a final question, we asked the surgeons about their outlook on the future of robotic surgery. Regarding the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), they predicted that AI integration in surgery would likely be one of the last steps in its application to healthcare.
With multiple companies competing to develop and release surgical robots, they emphasised that for meerecompany’s Revo-i to establish a firm position in the market, it is critical to launch the next version as soon as possible.
They also highlighted the importance of close collaboration between medical professionals and manufacturers. By actively incorporating surgeons’ insights, companies can drive innovation and enhance Revo-i’s competitive edge.
Dr. Song described Revo-i as an outstanding surgical robot, stating, “Revo-i offers significant advantages over open and laparoscopic surgery and has been an innovative tool in making robotic procedures more accessible.” He added, “I now look forward to advancements in both software and hardware as Revo-i continues to evolve.”
Surgical Robotics Technology
