ROBOTIC SURGERY

Robotic surgery, also called robot-assisted surgery, allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than is possible with conventional techniques. Robotic surgery is usually associated with minimally invasive surgery — procedures performed through tiny incisions. It is also sometimes used in certain traditional open surgical procedures.The most widely used clinical robotic surgical system includes a camera arm and mechanical arms with surgical instruments attached to them. The surgeon controls the arms while seated at a computer console near the operating table. The console gives the surgeon a high-definition, magnified, 3D view of the surgical site. The surgeon leads other team members who assist during the operation.Surgeons who use the robotic system find that for many procedures it enhances precision, flexibility and control during the operation and allows them to better see the site, compared with traditional techniques. Using robotic surgery, surgeons can perform delicate and complex procedures that may be difficult or impossible with other methods.Often, robotic surgery makes minimally invasive surgery possible. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:Fewer complications, such as surgical site infectionLess pain and blood loss Shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery Smaller, less noticeable scars.Robotic surgery involves risk, some of which may be similar to risks of conventional open surgery, such as a small risk of infection and other complications.Robotic surgery isn't an option for everyone. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of robotic surgery and how it compares with other techniques, such as other types of minimally invasive surgery and conventional open surgery.Robotic surgery may not be available at medical centers in your geographic location.