Robot Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery Information

Robot assisted laparoscopic surgery is a type of procedure that allows a surgeon to use robotic arms to control tools and a camera. Unlike traditional (open) surgery in which a large incision is made, this type of surgery uses a few small incisions (minimally invasive surgery).

Laparoscopic surgery means that the surgery is performed in the abdomen using a thin, flexible tube that has a light and a camera on the end (laparoscope). The image from the camera is shown on a monitor.

What types of surgeries are performed with robot assistance?

This type of surgery is commonly used for:

• Prostate surgery.
• Surgery on the uterus or ovaries.
• Kidney surgery.
• Colon surgery.

What is the difference between procedures performed with and without robot assistance?

• During open surgery, a large incision is made. This allows the surgeon to access the organ or body part that he or she is operating on. During these procedures, the surgeon holds the surgical tools in her or his hands.
• During a laparoscopic procedure, a few small incisions are made. A camera is inserted so the surgeon can see the body part. The surgeon holds the tools in her or his hands to reach the body part through the smaller incisions.
• During a robot-assisted laparoscopic procedure, a few small incisions are made. The surgeon sits at a console in the operating room and uses the controls at the console to move the robotic arms. The surgical tools and laparoscope are attached to the ends of the robotic arms.

What are the benefits of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery, compared to open surgery?

The incisions for this type of surgery are smaller. This may result in:

• A shorter hospital stay.
• Faster healing time.
• Less blood loss.
• Less scarring.
• Less pain.

In some cases, this type of surgery may also take less time to do than regular, open surgery.

What are the risks of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery?

This type of surgery has many of the same risks as regular, open surgery. Risks include:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Damage to other structures or organs.
• Allergic reactions to medicines, such as anesthetics.
• Pain, bruising, and swelling.

Other side effects may depend on the type of surgery that is done. For example, prostate surgery may cause problems with urinating.

What questions should I ask my health care provider?

• What is the goal of the surgery?
• Is this surgery the best treatment option? What other options do I have?
• Does the surgeon have experience with this type of surgery? How much experience does the surgeon have?
• How long will surgery take?
• How long will it take to recover from surgery?
• What are the possible short-term and long-term side effects of this surgery?
• What are the risks of this surgery?
• What are the costs compared to other surgical choices?
• How should I prepare for surgery?

Summary

• Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is a procedure that allows the surgeon to use robotic arms to control surgical tools and a camera.
• Unlike traditional (open) surgery, which involves a large incision, this type of surgery uses a few small incisions.
• This type of surgery is often used to treat cancer. It may also be used to remove part or all of an organ.
• This type of surgery has many of the same risks as regular, open surgery.
• This surgery may result in a shorter hospital stay, a faster recovery time, and less bleeding, pain, and scarring compared to open surgery.