Understanding the risks and benefits of robotic surgery
Official title: Rapid Adoption of Robotic Surgery: Risks, Benefits, and Unintended Consequences
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11007249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how often robotic surgery is being used for common operations like gallbladder removal and hernia repairs, checking how well it works and how much it costs, so patients can better understand their options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | January 21, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $416,137 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK131584-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007249 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients undergoing common surgical procedures such as gallbladder removal, hernia repairs, or surgeries for colon cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing robotic surgery or those with conditions not addressed by the study may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the rapid increase in robotic surgery in the U.S., focusing on its use for common procedures like gallbladder removal and hernia repairs. By analyzing Medicare and private insurance claims data, the study aims to assess the real-world outcomes and costs associated with robotic surgery. It seeks to address the gap in evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of these surgical techniques, particularly in the context of their growing adoption. The research will also explore variations in how robotic surgery is adopted across different regions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with clearer insights into the risks and benefits of robotic surgery, leading to more informed decision-making.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown mixed results regarding robotic surgery, indicating a need for comprehensive studies like this one to better understand its implications.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dimick, Justin Brigham — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Dimick, Justin Brigham
Related research
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Rapid Adoption of Robotic Surgery and its Risks, Benefits, and Unintended Consequences
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.