MASTERY study seeks to create global benchmarks for robotic surgery | News

A research study set to revolutionise the way surgeons are trained in the use of surgical robotics has recruited its first patient in Surrey.

The MASTERY (Measuring the quality of surgical care and setting benchmarks for training using Intuitive Data Recorder technology) study is an international research project.

The study uses data related to a surgeon’s performance during robotic surgery to create standards for robotic surgery training.

Whenever a robotic procedure is performed as part of the study, the robot’s precise movements (controlled by a surgeon) are recorded. This data is fed into a central database of procedures, where it can be compared to other similar robotic procedures to create a set of benchmarks for common procedures, based on surgeons’ actions around the world.

There are 13 UK centres taking part, covering a range of disciplines from ENT to Urology.

The Trust is currently running the MASTERY study in the Urology Department, where Consultant Urologist and Robotic Surgeon and the Principal Investigator for the trial Murthy Kusuma recruited the first patient.

“The MASTERY study will help in the development of the Royal College of Surgeons’ curriculum for robotic surgery and will provide a unique way for surgeons to compare their techniques with peers around the world,” he said.

“For example, a robotic prostatectomy is divided into 12 key steps. The technical performance of the surgeon is recorded for each of those steps to derive performance metrics. These metrics are used in measuring the quality of surgical operations and setting up benchmarks.

“In addition, manual data on the patient, the difficulty level of the procedure, and whether there were any intraoperative complications are collected. Patient-reported outcomes are measured at baseline and after the surgery.”

Matthew Perry, Royal Surrey’s Clinical Director of Urology said: “This trial to measure the specifics of how we utilise these complex surgical tools is an excellent way for us to assess ourselves, as well as that of our surgeons in training. Setting benchmarks when using new technology doesn’t happen enough in surgery, so this trial is really setting a new standard.” 

Mr Kusuma sees being part of the MASTERY study as an excellent opportunity to learn and share experience. He says that other robotic surgical specialisms in the Trust could also benefit:

“Now that we have started recruiting patients, I expect other robotic surgeons from other specialties will want to join the study. I would fully recommend it,” he said.

Pictured above, left to right: Natalia Michalak-Glinska, Jerik Verula, Donna May Sanga, Mr Murthy Kusuma, Chilli Wutte, Hafsana Ali.