OBJECTIVES: The use of robotics has revolutionized surgical procedures, providing several benefits over traditional techniques, especially in the case of orthopedic interventions. The aim of this study was to examine patients’ preferences by measuring their willingness to pay for robotic versus traditional hip replacement surgery.

METHODS: An online cross-sectional study was conducted involving a representative sample of the 40+ years old Hungarian population. Preferences of respondents regarding the consultation about hip surgery were examined by using self-reports. Participants were put in a hypothetical decision-making situation in which they had to choose between robot-assisted and traditional hip replacement surgery. Afterwards, they were asked how much they would be willing to pay to have the operation done by the chosen method if they would be offered the option contrary to their choice. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyse sample characteristics, between group differences were compared with parametric and non-parametric tests.

RESULTS: Altogether 1400 respondents were included in the study (mean age 58.3 SD=11.1 years; 53.7% women; 2.4% had hip implant). In the total sample, traditional and robot-assisted surgery were chosen by 45.6% (N=638) and 54.4% (N=762) of participants, respectively. Respondents’ willingness to pay did not differ significantly (p=0.669) between traditional and robotic surgery (177 vs. 169 EUR, respectively). Procedure’s safety and impact on life were rated the highest (mean ranks 2.02 and 2.81, respectively), while costs and appearance were found to be the least important aspects (mean ranks 4.09 and 5.21, respectively) to be discussed during consultation.

CONCLUSIONS: In the Hungarian population, more individuals would choose robot-assisted surgery over the traditional procedure. Safety and effects on life are the most important factors to be considered when it comes to decision-making about hip replacement surgery. Our study provides substantial insight into societal acceptance of robotic surgery from patients’ perspective.