Robot assisted surgery is a minimally invasive approach…
that allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than is possible with conventional techniques.
The most common general surgery procedures performed with robot assistance are gallbladder removal, hernia repair, colon resection and removal of adrenal tumors.
The advantages of robotic surgery are similar to that of laparoscopic surgery. Just as in laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon places a miniature video camera and specialized instruments through small incisions.
The difference is that the surgeon controls the camera and instruments from a computer console near the operating table. The console gives the surgeon a high-definition, magnified 3-D view of the surgical field resulting in increased precision and flexibility.
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.