Identifying Public Perception,Misconceptions, Fears, and Attitudesabout Robotic Surgery in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Robotic surgery has now emerged as a major development in the surgical medical field. Its most
important benefits include high precision, fewer stitches, and faster recovery, which has led to its rapid growth
and development. However, in many societies, there is a significant segment that has fears and trepidation
about these robot-based surgeries, especially among residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study was
conducted to identify misconceptions and patients’ perceptions about robot malfunctions, which prevent many
from undergoing this procedure. This study appeared in areas with limited knowledge, significant fears, and
differing misconceptions about robotic surgery. Most studies were conducted in hospitals or cities, which left
a gap in understanding at the national level. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the extent of attitudes,
perceptions, misconceptions, the prevalence of fears, and knowledge of the population of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia regarding the use of robotic surgery. Methods: A cross-sectional survey. This study was conducted during
July–December 2025, using questionnaires of the Saudi population and residents of the Kingdom via social media
and community engagement. Participants were aged 18 and above. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using
a structured bilingual (Arabic/English) self-administered questionnaire developed from the literature and adapted
from previously validated tools. Knowledge (13 items; score 0–13), attitude/perception (7 Likert items; score
7–35), and fear/misconceptions (10 items; score 0–12) were scored, and an overall proficiency score was computed
as Knowledge + Attitude + (12 − Fear), then categorized into tertiles (low/moderate/high). Results: A total of 445
participants were included; most were male (66.5%), nearly half were aged 18–30 years (49.9%), and over half
resided in the Western region (56.2%). Regarding awareness, 72.8% had previously heard of robotic surgery, yet
only 30.3% reported knowing which operations can be performed robotically, and 68.3% reported insufficient
information; 82.2% believed robotic surgery is not widely available in Saudi hospitals. The mean knowledge
score was 7.0 ± 2.9/13, with 61.8% classified as having moderate knowledge; the mean attitude score was 22.4
± 5.1/35, with predominantly neutral attitudes (63.1%); and the mean fear/misconception score was 4.7 ± 2.3/12,
with low fear in 53.7%. Preference and trust were cautious: 39.1% were unsure whether they would prefer robotic
over traditional surgery, and 56.0% reported less trust in robotic surgery than traditional surgery; nonetheless,
61.6% agreed/strongly agreed they would choose robotic surgery if recommended by their physician. Overall
proficiency was significantly associated with gender (P = 0.002) and region (P = 0.014). Conclusion: These
findings indicate substantial informational gaps
and uncertainty alongside openness to clinicianendorsed robotic-assisted surgery, underscoring
the need for targeted public education and
communication strategies.