ACPGBI position statement on robotic-assisted colorectal surgical training.

The uptake of robotic-assisted colorectal surgery (RACS) across the UK and Ireland has increased exponentially over the last 5 years. It is anticipated that most 'conventional' laparoscopic procedures will eventually move to a robotic approach within a National Health Service that is committed to embracing robotic-assisted surgery. Working in collaboration with the surgical Royal Colleges, a more structured framework is necessary for robotic training. Inequality in robotic access and the impact that RACS is having on current colorectal surgical trainees need to be addressed, The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) has set out a framework to help support training in RACS at basic, advanced and trainer levels. Safer, better-trained robotic surgeons will ensure improved patient outcomes, which is the overriding goal of the ACPGBI.