Brazil expands use of robotic surgery, including first SUS oncologic procedure

Robotic surgery is rapidly growing in Brazil, with the Brazilian Medical Association reporting a 417% increase in robot‑assisted operations nationwide. Surgeons such as Dr. Zailton Júnior of João Pessoa note that the technology now covers the full spectrum of modern digestive surgery, saying, “Hoje, a cirurgia robótica pode ser aplicada em praticamente todo o espectro da cirurgia digestiva moderna.” The system’s three‑dimensional vision and articulated instruments allow highly precise resections, reduced blood loss, less postoperative pain and quicker discharge.

The expansion reaches public health: on 19 June 2026 the Hospital Azambuja in Brusque performed the first robotic oncologic lobectomy under Brazil’s SUS system. The patient, a cancer patient from São João Batista, was released after just two days. Surgeon Eduardo Ballester highlighted the procedure’s benefits, stating, “Muitas vezes são pacientes que têm cirurgias mais difíceis… que necessitam de uma tecnologia como a robótica para conseguir a melhor resolução do caso.” The case will help assess costs and feasibility of broader SUS access to robotic surgery.

Despite the advances, challenges remain, including high costs and uneven distribution of robotic platforms across regions.