Intuitive, expanding to a platform beyond surgery

Robotic-assisted surgery rose from 6% to 16%

Da Vinci 5, highlighted functions of force feedback·digital education

Potential of surgical precision has been validated in gynecological diseases·pediatric surgeries

Landscape of Intuitive Surgical Korea media day

Robotic-assisted surgery is no longer a mere piece of surgical equipment; it is expanding to a platform that connects pre-, intra-, and postoperative data.  

Marking its 20th anniversary of introduction in South Korea, the da Vinci robotic surgical system is widening its scope of application into gynecological diseases, complex pediatric surgeries, and essential healthcare sectors, establishing an intersection between precision treatment and the standardization of surgical techniques.

On the 30th, Intuitive Surgical Korea held a media day titled 'Connect Intuitive' to introduce the clinical and social value of robotic-assisted surgery and the prospect of the future surgical environment.  

20 years since its introduction to South Korea…expanding surgical involvement and societal value

On this day, Yongbum Choi, General Manager of Intuitive Surgical Korea, explained that robotic-assisted surgery has shifted the open-surgery-centric paradigm toward a focus on minimally invasive and precision surgery.

Yongbum Choi, General Manager of Intuitive Surgical Korea

​"We believe that minimally invasive care is a treatment that improves patients' lives," Choi said. "The aim of Intuitive is to expand the possibilities for healthcare providers to treat patients through ingenious ideas and intelligent technology."

In South Korea, since da Vinci robotic surgery commenced at Severance Hospital in 2005, its fields of application have steadily expanded. Based on an analysis combining the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) Open API and proprietary company data, Intuitive presented that the proportion of robotic-assisted surgery among all surgeries rose from approximately 6% in 2019 to approximately 16% in 2025.

Choi also explained robotic-assisted surgery's value beyond clinical outcomes to include patient experience, the operational environment for medical staff, healthcare cost reduction, and improvements in accessibility.

Based the COMPARE Study published in 2025, choi explained that compared to open surgery, the blood transfusion rate decreased by 75% and the 30-day mortality rate decreased by 46%, and even when compared to laparoscopy, differences were demonstrated in terms of conversion rates to open surgery, complication rates, and the length of hospital stay.  

​"Last year, approximately 85,000 da Vinci surgeries were performed domestically," Choi stated. "Without da Vinci, an estimated 5,100 patients might have experienced conversions to open surgery during laparoscopic procedures, and the length of hospital stay is projected to have increased by approximately 43,000 days."

Choi added, "Even if we convert only the reduction in open conversions into financial terms, a societal cost savings effect of approximately 10 billion KRW can be inferred. Robotic surgery is drawing closer as a therapeutic option that reduces societal healthcare costs beyond the scope of the surgery itself."

da Vinci 5, a surgical platform incorporating surgical sensation and data

At the event, advancements in the next-generation robotic surgical system, the da Vinci 5, were also highlighted as a primary topic. The core features are 'Force Feedback' and digital intelligence.  

Force feedback is a feature that measures the physical resistance applied to instruments during surgery, allowing the operating surgeon to feel it haptically.

Jung Ryeol Lee, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, stated, "Legacy robotic systems lacked haptic feedback transmitted to the hands, forcing surgeons to rely on visual changes to perceive tactile sensations indirectly. Force feedback is a hardware innovation in that it implements a sense that had previously been lost in robotic surgery."

Real-world surgical cases were also introduced. It was explained that although a specific lesion was not clearly visible on ultrasound, the difference in internal tissue resistance was confirmed via force feedback, leading to the discovery of a concealed fibroid upon incision.  

Professor Lee said, "Force feedback enhances safety by restraining excessive force, and it can be utilized to discover hidden lesions through direct tactile information. This carries significant weight in the gynecological field, where lesions must be resected while maximizing the preservation of normal tissue."

Digital functionalities were also emphasized. The da Vinci 5 integrates surgical video storage, analysis of force and instrument movement data, AI-driven video analysis, real-time video streaming, and simulation-based training.  

Professor Lee noted, "Previously, operating surgeons had to learn through an apprenticeship-based model and accumulate experience over a long period to reach a certain level of proficiency. Now, integrated education is possible, combining preoperative simulation, intraoperative remote mentoring, and postoperative data and video review."

(from left) Jung Ryeol Lee, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital; Professor Jonghoon Lee of the Department of Pediatric Urology at Samsung Medical Center

Potential of precision treatment has been validated in gynecological diseases·pediatric surgeries

In presentations by medical professionals, the clinical value of robotic-assisted surgery for gynecological diseases and highly complex pediatric surgeries was highlighted.

Professor Jung-Ryul Lee identified the clinical significance of gynecological robotic surgery in 'precision tissue preservation' and 'fertility preservation'. Professor Lee explained that the objective of gynecological surgery is shifting from simple lesion removal toward maximizing the preservation of normal physiological functions and fertility.

Professor Lee said, ​"The robot provides good eyes and delicate hands, which are the two virtues required for an outstanding operating surgeon," and added, "When utilized by individuals of equal skill, advanced equipment enhances surgical performance."  

In the field of obstetrics and gynecology, myomectomy, ovarian cystectomy, conservative surgery for women of childbearing age, and oncologic surgery were presented as key application areas for robotic surgery.

Patient perception is also shifting. Professor Lee stated, "In the early days of introduction, many patients questioned whether robotic surgery was necessary due to cost concerns. Recently, an increasing number of patients come in specifically requesting robotic surgery, or naturally accept it when it is explained as the appropriate approach."

Professor Jonghoon Lee of the Department of Pediatric Urology at Samsung Medical Center explained the potential of robotic-assisted surgery in pediatric urology.

"Because pediatric patients have extremely small surgical spaces and delicate tissues, a high level of precision is required," Professor Lee said. "Since these patients will live for another 70 to 80 years or more, more precise and safer surgeries are necessary."  

Furthermore, "Open surgery presents challenges regarding scarring, recovery timelines, and pain, while laparoscopy is highly complex because it requires intricate suturing within a small space without tremor filtration. The robot, through magnified vision, articulated instruments, and tremor filtration capabilities, allows the needle to be accurately inserted and sutured at the desired target location."  

Professor Lee also highlighted the current reality of pediatric urologic surgery in South Korea. Given that the number of dedicated pediatric urologists is limited, robotic surgery can be an effective tool for surgical skills education and standardization.

Professor Lee added, "Although cases considering robotic surgery to pediatric patients are not yet highly prevalent in South Korea, force feedback, 3D high-definition vision, and tremor filtration technologies are far more critical in pediatric surgery where spaces are small, and tissues are fragile. This is a prospective field with high expectations."