„It is important to mention that we have started applying robotic surgeries not only for planned cases but also for patients with acute surgical diseases – this is currently the latest direction in the development of robotic surgery worldwide. Therefore, we are glad to be at the forefront, not just replicating existing achievements,“ says Prof. Dr. Narimantas Evaldas Samalavičius in the healthcare institution’s press release to the media.
Read more „GetJet Airlines“ will build another hangar at Vilnius Airport for 25 million euros
Robotic surgery at RVUL started not long ago – only in December 2025. The hospital became the third healthcare institution in Lithuania (after Klaipėda University Hospital and Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics) where this technologically advanced type of surgery was introduced.
The head of the RVUL General Surgery Center, Prof. Dr. Narimantas Evaldas Samalavičius, emphasizes that robotic surgery was first introduced at RVUL in the field of general surgery, and today it is also applied in urology and gynecology. Before starting robotic surgeries, RVUL staff (surgeons, urologists, gynecologists, and nurses) underwent special training in Italy, and the first surgeries in Vilnius were assisted by a surgeon and a robotic equipment technologist with extensive experience in this field.
„The advantages of robotic technologies in surgery start with an excellent operative field view, which is displayed in a spatial 3D format, magnified, and has exceptionally high resolution. Also very important are the robotic instruments attached to the robot’s arms and controlled remotely from the control console – they allow performing the most complex surgical manipulations very precisely and qualitatively even in very small human body cavities. Another advantage is that the robotic system’s precise replication of the surgeon’s movements reduces any extraneous hand movement influence on the main movement,“ lists the advantages Prof. Dr. N. E. Samalavičius.
He emphasizes that although such surgery is more expensive, there is less and less doubt in the medical world that robotic surgery benefits both the surgeon and the patient. For the patient, it increases the likelihood of recovery after surgery, a faster return to normal life, and at the same time reduces the probability of possible irreversible functional impairments, which cannot always be avoided when performing larger-scale surgeries, including the removal of various organs. Moreover, the robotic equipment used at RVUL provides the opportunity to utilize artificial intelligence assistance during surgery – this is part of the future development of surgery. Another important aspect is the surgeon’s fatigue, which is significantly reduced when using the robotic system because work is done under ergonomic conditions. This makes the surgeon’s work more efficient, higher quality, and can also help extend the surgical career of experienced specialists.
Read more Swiss cows fell ill with a mysterious disease
Already in 1980, NASA together with scientists from the Stanford Research Institute began to be interested in robotic technologies and virtual reality, and shortly thereafter the US Department of Defense started investing in the development of robotic systems. Thanks to various efforts, robotic surgery began worldwide in 1999 when a US company created and introduced its first „Da Vinci“ robotic surgical system to the market. Although the first robot was quite imperfect by today’s standards, after several generations of this system, a full-fledged model was created, which is currently the most widespread worldwide.
The head of the General Surgery Center explains that the robotic system used at RVUL became the second robotic surgical system created a decade ago. Today, after a little more than a quarter of a century since the start of robotics, there is more than one robotic system in the European Union and worldwide. As competition grows, robotic systems improve, newer and more complex technologies are implemented, the possibilities of robotic surgery rapidly expand, and the patient benefits from this, says the professor.
„We can be pleased that the introduction of robotic surgery at RVUL was rapid and smooth. We are satisfied with the number and variety of surgeries performed, and that this type of surgery is available to patients with various diseases. It is important to mention that we have started applying robotic surgeries not only for planned cases but also for patients with acute surgical diseases – this is currently the latest direction in the development of robotic surgery worldwide. Therefore, we are glad to be at the forefront, not just replicating existing achievements.
Having taken these steps, we understood that robotic surgery is and will be an inseparable part of our daily life. We closely follow the trends in the development of robotic technology worldwide and, based on evidence-based medicine data, strive to use the most advanced robotic systems in our work,” emphasizes the head of the General Surgery Center, coordinator of the robotic surgery program at RVUL, Prof. Dr. N. E. Samalavičius.
Read more Japan concerned about Russia’s actions
