What Is Robotic Surgery?

What robotic surgery means

Robotic surgery, also called robot-assisted surgery, is a form of minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon operates through a few small incisions using slim instruments and a camera held by robotic arms.

The surgeon sits at a console in the operating theatre and controls every movement. The robotic system does not make decisions or move on its own.

How it works

The camera gives the surgeon a magnified, three-dimensional view inside the body. The instruments have small wrist-like joints that can bend and rotate, and the system filters out hand tremor.

A surgical team stays at the bedside throughout, and the surgeon can change to laparoscopic or open surgery at any point if that is safer.

Procedures it may be used for

In general surgery, robotic techniques may be used for selected hernia repairs, gallbladder removal, and some gastrointestinal, colorectal and HPB procedures. Whether it is appropriate depends on the condition and the individual patient.

Potential advantages and limitations

Possible advantages include smaller incisions, less blood loss, less pain and a shorter hospital stay compared with open surgery. These benefits vary and are not guaranteed.

Robotic surgery can take longer to set up, is often more expensive, and is not available or suitable for every procedure.

How suitability is decided

Your surgeon considers your diagnosis, general health, previous surgery and the complexity of the operation. For many patients, laparoscopic or open surgery remains the most appropriate choice. The technique is decided after clinical assessment.