Review and outlook on the application of robotic‑assisted bariatric and metabolic surgery

Robotic‑assisted surgery (RAS) represents a significant technological advance-ment in bariatric and metabolic surgery, and its clinical utility as well as future development pros-pects merit comprehensive analysis. Current evidence indicates that robotic‑assisted sleeve gastrec-tomy and robotic‑assisted Roux‑en‑Y gastric bypass are both safe and feasible, with the potential for enhanced precision reducing the risks of hemorrhage and gastric leak, particularly in patients with super obesity. However, Meta‑analyses reveal that, when compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery, RAS has yet to establish clear short‑term benefits across broader populations and is frequently associated with longer operative durations and higher costs.For technically demanding procedures such as robotic-assisted biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, a steep learning curve exists, though proficiency can translate into tangible value. In complex revision cases, RAS demonstrates favorable short‑term safety profiles and operative convenience, yet robust evidence for long‑term outcomes remains lacking. The continued advancement of platform technologies and integration with artificial intelligence are anticipated to shape the future landscape of RAS, while cost and data‑related challenges must be addressed. The authors provide a review and outlook on the deployment of RAS in bariatric and metabolic surgery, as a reference for the surgical community.