Robot-assisted rectal resection for rectal cancer - Protocol for a health technology assessment

Summary

Robot-assisted surgery has been used in Norwegian hospitals for nearly 20 years. The use of robotic surgery systems is continuously expanding to new indications and disciplines. Purchase and operating costs have been high. Until now, there has been only one supplier of such systems in Norway. Several companies are in the process of launching competing equipment. The regional health authorities (RHFs) have acknowledged a need for a strategic approach for robot-assisted surgery in the specialist health care in Norway.

The National System for Managed Introduction of New Health Technologies has commissioned The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) to conduct a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of robot-assisted surgery for rectal cancer.

In this HTA, we will summarize the knowledge on robot-assisted surgery for rectal cancer. The method will be compared with open and laparoscopic surgery.

We will perform a systematic literature search in relevant databases and assess the identified publications against the inclusion criteria. Machine learning functionalities will be used in the screening process. We will evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies and compile the results in metaanalyses when considered appropriate. Our confidence in the results, including transferability to the Norwegian context, will also be assessed. We will also conduct a health economic analysis of the method in light of the agreed priority critieria. We will calculate resource use in relation to benefit and shed light on the severity of the disease. The work will be carried out in collaboration with clinical experts from various RHFs. The report will be published on NIPH’s website.