Being a prominent robotic surgeon that adopted the method of robotic prostatectomy in an early phase of introduction of the technique, Dr. Patel stresses the role of robot simulators, expert teachers and video in robotic training. Multiple learning curves do exist but between 20-50 cases most surgeon acquire the basic proficiency with the system. Exceptional outcome may only be obtained after several hundreds of cases. A passport for robotic surgery has been considered in recent times. The driver or surgeon determines robotic surgery outcome and the Society of robotic surgery is currently validating a structured training program.
