Definition
A doctor guides small robotic arms through several tiny keyhole incisions. This allows for greater range of movement than a doctor's hand.
Reasons for Procedure
Robot-assisted surgery is considered for procedures that:
- Require precision
- Do not require open access, especially laparoscopic procedures
Performing surgery in this way may result in:
- Less scarring
- Reduced recovery times
- Less risk of infection
- Less blood loss
- Reduced trauma to the body
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery
Many types of surgery, including pediatric surgery, can now be done with the assistance of a robot, including:
General:
- Adrenalectomy—removal of adrenal gland
- Cholecystectomy—removal of the gallbladder
- Bariatric—procedure to treat obesity and reduce the size of the stomach
- Heller myotomy—procedure on the lower esophageal sphincter
- Nissen fundoplication—treatment for severe heartburn
- Pyloroplasty
- Colectomy—removal of the colon
- Appendectomy—removal of the appendix
- Hernia repair
Chest:
- Esophagectomy—removal of the esophagus
- Thymectomy—removal of the thymus gland
- Mediastinal tumor resection—removal of tumors in the chest cavity
- Lobectomy—surgical removal of a lung
Heart:
- Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG)
- Atrial septal defect repair
- Mitral valve repair
Gynecologic:
- Hysterectomy—removal of the uterus
- Myomectomy—removal of uterine fibroids
Urologic
- Nephrectomy—removal of the kidney
- Radical prostatectomy—removal of the prostate
- Cystectomy—removal of the bladder
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Damage to nearby organs or structures
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Anesthesia-related problems
- The need to switch to traditional surgical methods such as traditional laparoscopic or open surgery
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Depending on the reason for your surgery, your doctor may do the following:
- Physical exam
- Blood tests
- ECG
- Chest x-ray
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI scan
Leading up to the surgery:
- Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.
- Take antibiotics if instructed.
- Follow a special diet if instructed.
- Shower the night before using antibacterial soap if instructed.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital. Also, have someone to help you at home.
- Eat a light meal the night before. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
Anesthesia
Depending on the type of procedure that you have, you may be given:
- General anesthesia—blocks pain and keeps you asleep through the surgery
- Local anesthesia with sedation—just the area that is being operated on is numbed
Description of the Procedure
Several small keyhole openings will be cut in the skin near where the surgery will take place. In most cases, a needle will be used to inject carbon dioxide gas into the surgical area. This gas will make it easier for the doctor to see internal structures. Next, a small camera called an endoscope will be passed through 1 of the incisions. The camera will light, magnify, and project an image of the organs onto a video screen. Then robotic arms holding instruments for grasping, cutting, dissecting, and stitching will be inserted through the holes.
While sitting at a console near the operating table, the doctor will use lenses to look at a magnified 3-D image of the inside of the body. Another doctor will stay by the table to adjust the camera and tools. The robotic arms and tools will be guided by movements of the surgeon. Lastly, the tools will be removed and stitches or staples will be used to close the area.
How Long Will It Take?
Usually 1-2 hours or less, depending on the procedure
How Much Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications. You may also feel discomfort from the gas used during the procedure. This can last up to 3 days.
Average Hospital Stay
This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is a few days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if you have any problems.
Post-procedure Care
While you are recovering at the hospital, you will:
- Be encouraged to walk with assistance soon after surgery.
- Receive guidelines on what you should eat and what activities you can do. Depending on your procedure, you should be able to go back to your normal activities in a few weeks.
- Participate in any physical therapy or rehabilitation.
Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if any of these occur:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from an incision site
- Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
- Pain, burning, urgency, frequency of urination, or persistent bleeding in the urine
- Pain and/or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs, or sudden shortness of breath or chest pain
- Constipation or diarrhea
- New or unexpected symptoms
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Donald W. Buck II, MD
- Review Date: 03/2018 -
- Update Date: 05/29/2014 -