A Patient’s Guide to Robotic surgery: Everything you need to know.

If you or a loved one has been told you need surgery, you might have heard about robotic surgery as an option. The idea of a robot assisting in your procedure might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but in reality, it’s a safe, precise, and highly advanced medical technique that helps thousands of patients every day.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about robotic-assisted surgery—what it is, how it works, and why it could be a game-changer for your recovery. Whether you’re considering robotic surgery for yourself or just want to learn more about this cutting-edge technology, we’ve got you covered.

What Is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique where a trained surgeon uses a robotic system to perform operations with extreme precision. It doesn’t mean a robot is operating on you alone while the surgeon takes a coffee break—your surgeon is in full control, guiding the robotic arms to make small, precise movements that often result in less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery. In fact, the robot won’t move without a surgeon in control.

The most well-known robotic system is the da Vinci Surgical System, which allows surgeons to perform complex procedures through tiny incisions with the help of a high-definition 3D camera and specialized instruments. The system has a few key components

• Surgeon console: The surgeon sits at this console and controls the robotic instruments using hand movements and foot pedals. 

• Robotic arms: These arms hold the surgical instruments, which are inserted through small incisions. These arms translate the surgeon’s movements into precise actions with minimal delay. The latency between the console and the arms is translated into milliseconds. The New Da Vinci System will reduce this time substantially. 

• 3D high-definition camera: This camera provides a detailed, magnified view of the surgical site, helping the surgeon see small structures more clearly than in traditional surgery.  Improved visualization decreases tissue injury and improves outcomes. 

• Control Tower: Provides individual energy for instruments and transmits images to high definition screens in the operating room.

  
  

  

  
  

How Is It Different from Traditional Surgery?

Robotic-assisted surgery offers a more refined version of laparoscopic surgery, which is already known for its small incisions and fast recovery times. The robotic system allows even more precision, flexibility, and control than the human hand alone can provide. Here’s how it differs:

• Greater precision: The robotic system can make extremely precise movements, which is especially useful in delicate surgeries. For example, in robotic inguinal hernia surgery, the peritoneum needs to be separated from the abdominal wall and this layer can be thinner than a sheet of paper.  

• Better visualization: The 3D high-definition camera offers a magnified view of the operating area, allowing surgeons to see anatomical details more clearly in a 3 dimensional space. This is substantially better than laparoscopic surgery,  where camera movements are limited, definition and magnification is improved. 

• Less invasive: Robotic surgery typically requires smaller incisions than open surgery, which can mean less pain, reduced blood loss, and quicker recovery times. This incisions are comparable to laparoscopic surgery but internal tissue trauma is minimized with robotic surgery. Less trauma translates into decreased inflammation and less pain. 

• Increased dexterity: the instruments allow for increased rotational capabilities compared to the human hand and wrist.  This is also an improvement over laparoscopic surgery where the instruments are limited to the rotation of the wrist. 

• Improved suturing techniques:  Intracorporeal suturing or suturing inside the body is substantially easier with the robotic platform compared to laparoscopic surgery. This mimics standard suturing during open surgery making it safer, faster, and more detailed.

• Better instruments:  The wide variety of instruments improve tissue handling. More importantly, better instruments decrease the number of assistants needed compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery.  This grants the surgeon more autonomy in the operating room and decreases the number of potential errors. 

  
  

  

What Are the Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Surgery?

Robotic-assisted surgery provides several advantages over traditional open or laparoscopic surgeries, including:

• Minimally invasive: Smaller incisions lead to less scarring, reduced risk of infection, and a quicker return to normal activities.

• Reduced pain: Tissue trauma and handling is decreased leading to decreased inflammation and many patients experience less post-operative pain.

• Faster recovery: Minimally invasive techniques generally mean shorter hospital stays and quicker healing times.

• Reduced blood loss: The enhanced precision and increased visualization helps minimize damage to surrounding tissues and blood vessels.

• Less tissue damage: More precise movements with better tissue dissection decrease tissue trauma.

• Improved outcomes:  Improved precision and flexibility can lead to better long-term results.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery is used in a wide range of procedures, including:

• Appendectomy: Removal of the appendix

• Cholecystectomy: Removal of gallbladder

• Heart surgery: Certain types of heart valve repairs and bypass surgeries.

• Colorectal surgery: Treatment of conditions like colon cancer or diverticulitis.

• Hernia repair: Robotic systems allow for precise placement of mesh and suturing during hernia surgery.

• Bariatric Surgery: Weight loss surgery

• Prostate and urological surgery: Enlargement of the prostate and prostate cancer

• Gynecological surgery: Removal of the uterus, ovaries, endometriosis. As well as other benign and malignant causes

• Thoracic Surgery: treatment of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer

• ENT Surgery: treatment of benign and malignant tumors and obstructive sleep apnea

  
  

Is Robotic Assisted Surgery Safe?

Robotic-assisted surgery is safe, but like all surgeries, it does come with risks. The surgeon is always in control of the robotic system, and the technology is designed with multiple safety features to ensure the procedure goes smoothly.

What Should I Expect During and After the Procedure?

• Before surgery: You will undergo a pre-operative assessment to ensure you’re a good candidate for robotic-assisted surgery. Your surgeon will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.

• During surgery: The procedure is performed with the assistance of the robotic system. You will be under general anesthesia, asleep, and won’t feel any pain during the operation. 

• After surgery: Because robotic surgery is minimally invasive, recovery is usually quicker than traditional surgery. Most robotic surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure were you can expect to go home the same day.  However, you may be discharged from the hospital sooner and experience less post-operative discomfort  compared to traditional surgery. 

Commonly asked questions about robotic surgery

Is robotic surgery safe?

Yes! Robotic surgery is FDA-approved and has been used in hospitals worldwide for over a decade. Surgeons are extensively trained to use the robotic system safely and effectively.

Is the robot performing the surgery?

No! Your surgeon is in full control of the robotic system at all times. The robot assists by enhancing precision and instrument stability

Does robotic surgery hurt less than traditional surgery?

Most patients experience less pain, minimal scarring, and a quicker recovery compared to open surgery. However, pain levels depend on the type of surgery and the individual patient.

What happens during a power outage?

Hospitals are equipped for power outages and prepare for situations like this with backup generators.  On most cases, surgeries can proceed without interruption within minutes

What happens if there's a malfunction of one of the robotic arms?

Although this is a rare occurrence, it can happen. Simple procedures are in place which identifies the error immediately, and allows for troubleshooting of the problem individually. During the process the instruments are locked into place automatically to avoid any accidental movement or tissue injury.  On most cases there are robotic technicians on site which expedites the process.  Most troubleshooting is usually fixed within minutes

 What happens if the robot stops working?

This is an extremely rare occurrence.  The robot can simply undock or separated from the patient and shut off/on  like a computer. This reboot all internal systems and allow safe continuation of the surgery. Alternatively, a different robot can be used  if this is a possibility at your hospital.

 How are instruments exchanged?

One of the benefits of the robotic platform is the exchanging of instruments. The robotic system memorizes the prior position, instruments are exchanged and placed in the perfect position which allows seamless continuation of the surgery with the appropriate Instruments.

Is robotic surgery covered by insurance?

Yes, in most cases. Many insurance plans cover robotic surgery just like traditional surgery, but it’s always best to check with your provider.

Is Robotic Surgery Right for You?

On most cases, Yes! However, Not every patient is a candidate for robotic-assisted surgery. Your eligibility will depend on several factors, such as your overall health, prior surgical procedures, the complexity of your condition, and your surgeon’s experience with robotic systems. If you’re facing surgery and want to know if robotic options are available then please consider a consultation with one of our expert surgeons. They can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your unique situation. 

Final Thoughts

Robotic-assisted surgery is changing the face of surgery by offering patients a less invasive option for increasingly more complex procedures. While it may not be suitable for everyone, it provides the potential for a quicker, less painful recovery with fewer complications for many. If you're considering surgery, be sure to ask us for advice to determine if robotic surgery is the right choice for you. Schedule a consultation today to help you make an informed, confident decision about your healthcare.