Technology-assisted visceral surgery: a model-based approach for quantifying translation and accessibility across populations and geographies
- 1MITI Research Group, TUM School of Medicine and Health, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Bavaria Germany
- 2Department of Surgery, TUM School of Medicine and Health, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Bavaria Germany
Abstract
Introduction: Technological innovation is rapidly transforming surgical care, yet disparities in access and adoption persist. This study introduces a flexible, population-based model designed to assess and potentially guide the equitable implementation of advanced technologies in visceral (gastrointestinal) surgery, ranging from laparoscopy and basic imaging up to robotic-assisted surgery and artificial intelligence.
Material and methods: We conducted a survey among technologically experienced visceral surgeons to classify current and emerging technologies by perceived complexity and requirement. This classification was used to query a self-developed translation model, which was integrated with demographic, hospital, and geographic data from official German sources. The model quantifies technological maturity and accessibility by calculating travel-to-treat times from the population’s residence to hospitals offering specific technologies. We applied the model to the entire German population and all 16 counties, enabling regional and national comparisons.
Results: Based on the survey results, we constructed a layered classification for grouping surgical technologies with two dimensions, S and D, for surgical procedures and available devices and increasing levels of complexity (1-3). The model identified substantial regional disparities in access to advanced technology-assisted visceral surgery across Germany. While basic technologies (S1–S2, D1–D2) were broadly accessible nationwide, higher-level technologies such as robotic surgery (S3) were concentrated in urban areas. However, some advanced diagnostics (D3) were also available in remote regions. The model effectively quantified these differences from the population’s perspective and demonstrated its potential for objective, population-based assessment of technological translation and accessibility.
Conclusion: Our model highlights persistent regional disparities in advanced technology adoption and demonstrates potential for guiding equitable implementation strategies. Its population-based, data-driven approach can be extended to other countries, healthcare settings, and technologies, supporting political decision-making and improved patient access.
Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-026-03723-y.
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BibTeX
@article{schmailzl2026technologyassisted,
title = {{Technology-assisted visceral surgery: a model-based approach for quantifying translation and accessibility across populations and geographies}},
author = {Sebastian Schmailzl and Jonas Fuchtmann and Alissa Jell and Stephan Schorn and Lukas Bernhard and Lars Wagner and Luca Wegener and Helmut Friess and Dirk Wilhelm and Maximilian Berlet},
journal = {International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
doi = {10.1007/s11548-026-03723-y},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-026-03723-y},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Technology-assisted visceral surgery: a model-based approach for quantifying translation and accessibility across populations and geographies
AU - Sebastian Schmailzl
AU - Jonas Fuchtmann
AU - Alissa Jell
AU - Stephan Schorn
AU - Lukas Bernhard
AU - Lars Wagner
AU - Luca Wegener
AU - Helmut Friess
AU - Dirk Wilhelm
AU - Maximilian Berlet
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/06
JO - International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery
DO - 10.1007/s11548-026-03723-y
UR - https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-026-03723-y
AB - Introduction: Technological innovation is rapidly transforming surgical care, yet disparities in access and adoption persist. This study introduces a flexible, population-based model designed to assess and potentially guide the equitable implementation of advanced technologies in visceral (gastrointestinal) surgery, ranging from laparoscopy and basic imaging up to robotic-assisted surgery and artificial intelligence. Material and methods: We conducted a survey among technologically experienced visceral surgeons to classify current and emerging technologies by perceived complexity and requirement. This classification was used to query a self-developed translation model, which was integrated with demographic, hospital, and geographic data from official German sources. The model quantifies technological maturity and accessibility by calculating travel-to-treat times from the population’s residence to hospitals offering specific technologies. We applied the model to the entire German population and all 16 counties, enabling regional and national comparisons. Results: Based on the survey results, we constructed a layered classification for grouping surgical technologies with two dimensions, S and D, for surgical procedures and available devices and increasing levels of complexity (1-3). The model identified substantial regional disparities in access to advanced technology-assisted visceral surgery across Germany. While basic technologies (S1–S2, D1–D2) were broadly accessible nationwide, higher-level technologies such as robotic surgery (S3) were concentrated in urban areas. However, some advanced diagnostics (D3) were also available in remote regions. The model effectively quantified these differences from the population’s perspective and demonstrated its potential for objective, population-based assessment of technological translation and accessibility. Conclusion: Our model highlights persistent regional disparities in advanced technology adoption and demonstrates potential for guiding equitable implementation strategies. Its population-based, data-driven approach can be extended to other countries, healthcare settings, and technologies, supporting political decision-making and improved patient access. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-026-03723-y.
SN - 1861-6410
SN - 1861-6429
ER -