Application of the Hugo™ RAS robotic system in general surgery: a scoping review

Abstract

The commercialization of new robotic platforms has transformed the field of robotic surgery, with the Hugo™ RAS system from Medtronic standing out due to its open console and modular design. Hugo™ offers advantages, such as improved communication and ergonomics, and flexibility for multi-quadrant surgeries. However, its clinical experience in General Surgery remains limited and concentrated in a small number of studies. This scoping review aims to characterize the current evidence of the use of Hugo™ RAS in General Surgery by conducting systematic searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Of the 30 articles included, 28 were case reports or series, and only two were comparative cohort studies. Hugo™ is currently used in all General Surgery procedures for which it has CE marking, but significant heterogeneity exists in how outcomes are reported. Common challenges include the lack of advanced sealing and stapling instruments (currently undergoing certification) and variations in docking configurations. Despite these limitations, the platform demonstrates feasibility, safety, and versatility across a wide range of procedures. This review highlights the need for larger, standardized studies to better evaluate Hugo™'s impact on surgical outcomes in General Surgery and its role in the future of robotic surgery.

Keywords: General surgery; Hugo™ RAS; Robotic surgery; SCOPING review.