REPROCESSING OF REUSABLE MEDICAL DEVICES USED IN ROBOTIC SURGERY: SPECIFICITIES, CHALLENGES, RISK MANAGEMENT AND AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

Introduction: The development of robot-assisted surgery has profoundly transformed surgical practices by introducing reusable medical devices characterized by complex mechanical designs and specific reprocessing requirements. Their safe use depends not only on their technological performance but also on the effective management of the entire reprocessing process, including cleaning, disinfection, packaging, and sterilization. Objective: This review aims to analyze the main challenges associated with the reprocessing of medical devices used in robotic surgery, identify potential risks, and present the technical and organizational requirements necessary to ensure their safe reuse. Methods: This is a narrative review based on an analysis of the scientific literature on the reprocessing of complex medical devices and robotic surgical instruments. Results and Discussion: The main challenges include the complex architecture of robotic instruments, limited accessibility of certain areas for cleaning, the presence of articulated mechanisms, material-related constraints, and the need to comply with validated reprocessing procedures. Addressing these challenges requires standardized procedures, staff training, rigorous inspection, effective traceability, and strict adherence to manufacturers' specific instructions. Conclusion: The reprocessing of medical devices used in robotic surgery represents a major patient safety concern. It requires a multidisciplinary approach involving surgical teams, sterile processing professionals and biomedical engineering departments.