REVO

Editor’s Note: Since the introduction of the Korean-developed Revo-i surgical robotic system at Severance Hospital in 2023, it has been actively utilized in various surgical procedures, primarily in urology and general surgery, leading to the completion of 100 successful cases. To commemorate this milestone, this symposium summarizes the background, achievements, and real-world applications of Revo-i not only at Severance Hospital but also in secondary hospitals that have adopted the system.

<Session II. Meet the Revo Surgeons>

1. Experience of Introducing Revo-i at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital (Dr. Jeong-Hwan Son, Head of the Urology Department, Bundang Jesaeng Hospital)

2. The experiences of surgeries using Revo-i surgical system in the community hospital (Dr. Jae Seung Kang, Hongik Hospital)

Chair: Dr. Kang Hyon Song, Director of the Robotic Surgery Center, Korea Cancer Center Hospital

Experience of Introducing Revo-i at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital (Dr. Jeong-Hwan Son, Head of the Urology Department, Bundang Jesaeng Hospital)

This presentation is based on my experience as part of the hospital leadership, guiding the adoption and integration of the Revo-i surgical robotic system into surgical practice. I will discuss the rationale behind our hospital’s decision to adopt Revo-i, along with the staff training process and initial surgical setup, highlighting how we successfully performed high-volume robotic surgeries within a relatively short period.

Implementation and Operation of the Revo-i Surgical Robotic System in Secondary Hospitals

In 2023, our hospital began in-depth discussions on adopting a surgical robotic system. During this process, I had the opportunity to attend a presentation by Professor Jongsoo Lee from Severance Hospital’s Urology Department at an endoscopic and robotic surgery conference. His presentation emphasized the cost-effectiveness and operational stability of Revo-i, which became a key factor in our hospital’s decision to proceed with its adoption. Once the decision was made, we initiated internal discussions on structuring the implementation process, including operating room setup, surgical workflow integration, and staff training protocols.

Training was conducted using dry lab equipment. A key aspect of our approach was inclusive training—not limited to specific departments or surgeons with prior robotic surgery experience. Instead, we involved all relevant medical staff, including surgeons, OR nurses, and surgical support teams. meerecompany actively supported this initiative, delivering comprehensive training and fostering a positive, motivated atmosphere within the hospital. The mindset became: "Robotic surgery is here—let’s learn, adapt, and embrace this innovation."

On June 20, 2024, we officially launched our robotic surgery program, designating the largest of our nine operating rooms for robotic procedures. However, considering the hospital’s size and operational needs, dedicating an entire room exclusively for robotic surgery was not feasible. Constructing a new dedicated space would have required significant time and financial investment, potentially disrupting our existing surgical schedule. Instead, we opted for a practical approach, assigning a low-utilization operating room for robotic surgery while allowing priority access to the Chest Surgery Department when necessary. This flexible model enabled efficient robotic surgery integration while minimizing disruptions to hospital operations.

Current Status of Revo-i Surgeries

By June 2024, our hospital officially launched robotic surgery with Revo-i. With the support of meerecompany and Severance Hospital’s medical professionals, we implemented a structured training program, ensuring a seamless transition into robotic-assisted procedures. To further solidify this collaboration, an MOU signing ceremony was held, strengthening our long-term partnership with meerecompany and fostering enthusiasm and confidence in robotic surgery.

Examining operating room data, the first Revo-i procedure, a low anterior resection (LAR), was performed on July 3, 2024, by Dr. Jeong Ki Kim from the Department of Surgery. By December 5, we had completed 31 robotic surgeries, with a notable expansion of applications beyond colorectal and urologic surgeries to include gynecology, thoracic surgery, and hepatobiliary surgery. Additionally, within a two-week period from late November to early December, six additional robotic surgeries were performed, reflecting the growing adoption of Revo-i.

To date, the Urology Department has performed the highest number of robotic surgeries, followed by Colorectal Surgery. Meanwhile, the Gynecology and Chest Surgery Departments have each conducted one procedure using Revo-i. The highest surgical volume occurred in July. Since then, we have maintained a steady pace of 7 to 8 robotic procedures per month.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this initiative has been our inclusive, collaborative approach. Robotic surgery was not limited to a single department or a select group of specialists—instead, all relevant medical staff actively participated in training. This hospital-wide commitment and willingness to embrace innovation have been key to our success.

Through this presentation, I have shared the challenges and successes encountered during the implementation of robotic surgery at our hospital. As highlighted in previous presentations, Revo-i’s outstanding performance is not coincidental but rather the result of dedicated efforts and continuous innovation. I extend my sincere gratitude to meerecompany for developing such an exceptional surgical system, and I remain committed to reaching 100 Revo-i procedures as quickly as possible.

Korean Article: https://www.whosaeng.com/158569