What is Robotic Surgery? Purpose, Procedure & Results

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique where your surgeon operates using a computer-controlled robotic system. Think of it as giving your surgeon superhuman precision and control during your procedure. The surgeon sits at a console and guides robotic arms that hold tiny surgical instruments, allowing for incredibly precise movements through small incisions in your body.

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery combines advanced technology with your surgeon's expertise to perform operations with remarkable precision. Your surgeon controls robotic arms equipped with surgical instruments from a specialized console, viewing your internal anatomy through a high-definition 3D camera system.

The robotic system doesn't operate on its own. Your surgeon remains in complete control throughout the entire procedure, making every decision and guiding every movement. The robot simply translates your surgeon's hand movements into smaller, more precise motions inside your body.

This technology allows surgeons to perform complex procedures through incisions as small as a few millimeters. The enhanced vision and dexterity often result in less tissue damage, reduced bleeding, and faster healing times compared to traditional open surgery.

Why is robotic surgery done?

Robotic surgery offers several advantages that can make your surgical experience safer and more comfortable. The primary goal is to achieve the same surgical results as traditional methods while minimizing trauma to your body.

The enhanced precision allows surgeons to work around delicate structures like nerves and blood vessels more safely. This is particularly valuable in procedures involving your prostate, heart, kidneys, or reproductive organs where millimeter accuracy can make a significant difference in your outcome.

Here are the main reasons doctors recommend robotic surgery:

• Smaller incisions mean less scarring and pain
• Reduced blood loss during surgery
• Lower risk of infection
• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster return to normal activities
• Better preservation of surrounding healthy tissue
• Enhanced surgical precision in tight spaces

Your surgeon will recommend robotic surgery when the benefits outweigh the risks for your specific condition. Not every procedure requires robotic assistance, and your doctor will choose the best approach based on your individual needs.

What is the procedure for robotic surgery?

The robotic surgery procedure follows a carefully planned sequence designed to ensure your safety and comfort. Your surgical team will walk you through each step beforehand so you know exactly what to expect.

Before surgery begins, you'll receive general anesthesia to ensure you're completely comfortable and pain-free. Your surgeon will then make several small incisions, typically between 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters long, depending on your specific procedure.

Here's what happens during your robotic surgery:

1. Small incisions are made at strategic locations
2. A tiny camera and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions
3. Your surgeon moves to the robotic console nearby
4. The surgery is performed using precise robotic movements
5. Your surgeon maintains constant visual contact with the surgical site
6. Once complete, instruments are removed and incisions are closed

The entire process can take anywhere from one to six hours, depending on the complexity of your procedure. Your surgeon will provide you with a more specific timeframe based on your individual case.

How to prepare for your robotic surgery?

Proper preparation helps ensure your robotic surgery goes smoothly and reduces your risk of complications. Your healthcare team will provide you with detailed instructions tailored to your specific procedure.

Most preparation involves standard pre-surgical steps that you might expect with any major procedure. Your doctor will review your medical history, current medications, and any allergies you might have.

Here's what you'll typically need to do before your surgery:

• Stop eating and drinking after midnight the night before surgery
• Arrange for someone to drive you home afterward
• Remove jewelry, contact lenses, and nail polish
• Take prescribed medications as directed by your doctor
• Complete any required blood tests or imaging studies
• Shower with antibacterial soap if instructed
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the hospital

Your surgeon may also recommend stopping certain medications like blood thinners several days before your procedure. Never stop taking prescribed medications without first consulting your healthcare provider.

How to read your robotic surgery results?

Understanding your robotic surgery results involves looking at both the immediate surgical outcome and your recovery progress. Your surgeon will discuss the findings with you once you're awake and comfortable after the procedure.

The "results" of robotic surgery aren't typically numerical like blood test results. Instead, your surgeon will explain whether the procedure accomplished its intended goals and what they discovered during the operation.

Your surgeon will typically share information about:

• Whether the procedure was completed successfully
• Any unexpected findings during surgery
• The condition of surrounding tissues
• Whether any complications occurred
• Next steps in your treatment plan
• Expected recovery timeline

If tissue samples were taken during your procedure, those results may take several days to weeks to process. Your doctor will contact you with these results and explain what they mean for your ongoing care.

What are the risk factors for robotic surgery complications?

While robotic surgery is generally very safe, certain factors can increase your risk of complications. Understanding these risk factors helps you and your surgical team take appropriate precautions.

Your overall health status plays the biggest role in determining your surgical risk. People with well-controlled chronic conditions typically do very well with robotic procedures.

Common risk factors that may increase complications include:

• Advanced age (over 70 years)
• Obesity or significant weight issues
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Heart or lung disease
• Previous abdominal surgeries causing scar tissue
• Blood clotting disorders
• Certain medications that affect healing

Less common but important risk factors include severe liver or kidney disease, active infections, and certain autoimmune conditions. Your surgeon will carefully evaluate these factors when determining if robotic surgery is right for you.

What are the possible complications of robotic surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, robotic surgery carries some risks, though serious complications are relatively uncommon. Most people experience only minor, temporary side effects that resolve quickly during recovery.

The majority of complications from robotic surgery are similar to those you might experience with any minimally invasive procedure. Your surgical team takes extensive precautions to minimize these risks.

Common complications that may occur include:

• Temporary pain or discomfort at incision sites
• Minor bleeding or bruising
• Nausea from anesthesia
• Temporary bloating or gas pain
• Fatigue for a few days after surgery
• Temporary changes in bowel or bladder function

More serious complications are rare but can include infection, excessive bleeding, or injury to nearby organs. Your surgeon will discuss the specific risks associated with your particular procedure during your consultation.

Rare complications specific to robotic surgery may include equipment malfunction requiring conversion to traditional surgery, though this happens in less than 1% of cases. Your surgical team is fully prepared to handle any situation that might arise.

When should I see a doctor after robotic surgery?

Most people recover smoothly from robotic surgery, but it's important to know when to contact your healthcare provider. Your surgical team will give you specific instructions about follow-up care and warning signs to watch for.

You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe symptoms that could indicate complications. Don't hesitate to call if you're concerned about any aspect of your recovery.

Contact your doctor right away if you experience:

• Fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C)
• Severe pain that doesn't improve with prescribed medication
• Heavy bleeding or discharge from incision sites
• Signs of infection like redness, warmth, or pus
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Inability to urinate or severe constipation

You should also reach out if you notice your incisions opening up, experience severe swelling, or feel like something just isn't right. Your surgical team would rather hear from you about a minor concern than have you worry unnecessarily.