Robots vs. keyhole: which surgery method is easier on the surgeon?
NCT ID NCT07479121
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This observational study looks at how different surgical tools affect the physical strain on surgeons. Ten experienced surgeons will wear motion-capture suits and muscle sensors during standard bowel or prostate surgeries using either traditional keyhole methods or robotic systems. The goal is to find which approach causes less fatigue and awkward postures, so future surgical systems can be designed to protect surgeons' health.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could lead to better-designed surgical systems and training to reduce physical strain on surgeons, potentially extending their careers and improving patient care.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small observational study (10 surgeons) focused on measuring ergonomics, not testing a treatment. Results may not apply to all surgeons or settings, and the findings are preliminary.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 10 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Apr 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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40 to 55 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Must be an experienced general surgeon specializing in colorectal surgery (Study 1) OR an experienced urological surgeon (Study 2). * Age between 40 and 55 years for colorectal surgeons, or between 40 and 50 years for urological surgeons. * For Study 1: Proficient in performing Low Anterior Resection of the Rectum using both standard laparoscopic techniques and the Hugo RAS robotic system, with over 30 robotic and laparoscopic procedures completed. * For Study 2: Expertise in robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy using both the Hugo RAS and Da Vinci Xi systems, with over 20 radical prostatectomies performed on both platforms. * Willingness to undergo extensive data collection during surgical procedures. * Provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: \- None.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
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