What is robotic-assisted surgery?
Robotic surgery requires only a minimal incision and places a higher level of precision in the hands of a skilled surgeon. The word "assisted" is important to emphasize, as a robot is not performing the procedure or making any decisions. Rather, the surgeon is in complete control of the procedure.
Here's how it works:
- The surgeon sits at a control station in the operating room just a few feet away from the patient on the operating table.
- The surgeon has highly sensitive wrist controls and high-definition video monitors, which he or she relies on to guide the robot in creating incisions and performing the surgery.
- The robot has special tremor-resistant features and the ability to scale the surgeon's hand motions with incredible precision. The surgeon's controls allow him or her to complete certain movements (like 360º rotation), which would be impossible with the human hand alone.
- At any time, the procedure can be converted to a traditional minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or open surgery, if necessary. The surgeon maintains full control of the robotic technology throughout every step of the procedure and relies on the robotic tools to assist in certain tasks.
Most procedures take two to three hours under general anesthesia. Patients typically experience only minimal blood loss, and blood transfusions are rarely needed. Depending on the condition being treated, patients often only spend one night in the hospital and are usually discharged as soon as their laboratory tests are acceptable, their pain is controlled and they are able to retain liquids.
What procedures can be done with robotic surgery?
Many procedures may be done with robotic assistance. Some of the robotic-assisted surgeries that are frequently performed include:
- Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
- Colorectal surgery
- Cancer surgery
- Gastrectomy sleeve
- Hernia repair
- Hysterectomy, with/without salpingectomy and oophorectomy
- Sacrocolpopexy
What are the benefits to patients?
Robotics procedures, and minimally invasive surgeries in general, involve smaller incisions than traditional “open” surgeries, which reduces blood loss and postoperative recovery times. Patients typically experience significantly less pain and blood loss than in conventional “open incision” procedures. Patients also tend to enjoy quicker recovery times. Traditional open surgery can require several days of hospitalization and recovery time can last several months. While every case is unique, the return to normal, everyday activities (except for lifting heavy objects and strenuous exercise) following robotic-assisted surgery can occur in as little as two to three weeks.
Why is there less blood loss with robotic-assisted surgery?
The use of the robotic equipment in surgery means a more precise and less disruptive procedure, which helps control potential sources of bleeding.
How long does it take to recover from robotic-assisted surgery?
Many patients experience significantly shorter recovery times with robotic-assisted surgery over traditional surgeries. Your specific recovery time will vary depending on age, type of procedure and other factors.
Is robotic surgery safe?
Over the past decade, hundreds of studies have been published on the use of the robotic surgical system demonstrating improved surgical outcomes when compared to open surgery. To date, more than 1.5 million surgeries have been per worldwide using the robotic surgical system.
Talk with your doctor about all treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits of each. If surgery is the option you choose, talk with your doctor about whether robotic surgery is right for you. Your doctor's training; experience and judgment are important factors to consider when making this decision.
Will my insurance cover robotic-assisted surgery?
Robot-assisted surgery is typically covered by most Medicare-approved and private health insurers.