The first five procedures were carried out in gynecology. The robot does not operate itself: it translates the movements of the surgical team into precise instrument movements.
Five operations mark the start
The first five robotically assisted operations were performed in the week until 21 August 2026 at the KBC Rijeka. The start took place at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic. The hospital confirmed the step on 24 August in a separate communication.
Five interventions are a practical beginning, but not yet an assessment of routine operation, case numbers or long-term results. The news shows that technology, trained team and first selected patients were brought together – not that every operation in Rijeka is now automatically robotic.
The robot does not execute its own operation plan
In robotically assisted surgery, the surgeon sits on a console. Hand movements are transmitted to controlled movements of small instruments at the operating table. A three-dimensional, high-resolution and enlarged image helps to work in a confined space.
The system does not decide on diagnosis or cutting. Indication, planning, control and responsibility remain with the medical team. The term surgical robot describes the technical platform; it must not be confused with an autonomous humanoid doctor.
KBC Rijeka · robotically assisted
Man decides, the system transmits
Why small cuts do not automatically mean a small operation
The instruments are guided by several small approaches, which allows a complex procedure to be minimally invasive. The Ministry of Health mentions as possible benefits less blood loss, shorter hospital stays and a faster return to everyday life. At the gynecological start, myoment removals as well as operations in endometrium and cervical cancer are mentioned.
The word remains crucial. Benefits and risks depend on illness, intervention, team experience and individual requirements. Robotic access is neither suitable for any patient nor a general promise of quality towards another established surgical method.
Two systems to serve three areas of expertise
The Croatian state financed two robotic surgical systems for a total of 5.1 million euros entirely from the state budget. According to the Ministry, they are to be used in gynecology, urology and abdominal surgery. Thus, the investment is greater than the first series at a single clinic.
It is still open to published routine numbers, the exact distribution of the systems and the time when each of the above-mentioned subject areas operates regularly. Planned use is not the same as an immediately available program for all diagnoses.
Training the entire team came before the first procedure
According to the Ministry, doctors and full operational teams were prepared, including simulator training and working with mentors. This is essential for a new platform: not only the person at the console, but also assistance, care, anaesthesia, instrumentation and processes for a possible system change must play together.
The KBC also combines the introduction with teaching and further education. Students, assistant doctors and specialized teams are to get to know the technology in a university hospital. This also remains a process of construction and no evidence that training is already completed in every subject area.
What patients should not conclude from this
The acquisition does not create freely bookable desired access. Whether a robotic surgery is medically useful, the treatment team decides after diagnosis and available capacities. Neither a shortened waiting list nor a guaranteed appointment or a better individual result follow from the investment.
For insured persons from abroad, transfer, planned treatment, cost acceptance and the rules of the respective insurance system continue to apply. The European Health Insurance Card covers necessary care during a stay, but does not automatically make a planable special operation for vacation services.
Why the start is still important for the Kvarner
KBC Rijeka is the central public hospital for the Kvarner and beyond. An investment in several surgical disciplines not only strengthens a single prestige project, but can also influence training, personnel acquisition and complex care in the region.
The robust state remains sober: five gynaecological procedures have been carried out, two systems are financed and three areas of application are designated. Whether this becomes a permanently strong program, only transparent case numbers, results, training and everyday access for suitable patients show.
Evidence
Sources & date
Sources support the facts. Planning notes and recommendations are Golden Beach editorial assessments.
- Prvih pet robotski asistiranih operacija u KBC-u RijekaMinistarstvo zdravstva Republike Hrvatske · 21 August 2026first five interventions, two systems, financing, three areas of expertise, operation and training
- Uspješno izvedene prve operacije robotskom kirurgijomKBC Rijeka · 24 August 2026Confirmation of clinical start and classification of minimally invasive technique by the hospital
- Kirurgija budućnosti – KBC Rijeka uvodi tehnologiju robotske kirurgijeKBC Rijeka · 29 June 2026preparatory introduction, training and institutional development
