Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is robotic-assisted surgery?
Q: What procedures can be done with robotic surgery?
Q: Can anyone have robotic-assisted surgery?
Q: How long does it take to recover from robotic-assisted surgery?
Q: How do I know if robotic surgery is right for me?
Q: How do I find a surgeon?
Q: Is robotic-assisted surgery more expensive?
Q: Will my insurance cover robotic-assisted surgery?
Q: Does robotic-assisted surgery have a higher success rate than traditional procedures?
Q: How can the surgeon work with my current doctor?
Q: Can all surgeries be done with robotics technology, or only some?
What is robotic-assisted surgery?
Robotic surgery requires only a minimal incision and places a higher level of precision in the hands of a skilled surgeon. The word "assisted" is important to emphasize, as a robot is not performing the procedure or making any decisions. Rather, the surgeon is in complete control of the procedure.
Here's how it works:
- The surgeon sits at a control station in the operating room just a few feet away from the patient on the operating table.
- The surgeon has highly sensitive wrist controls and high-definition video monitors, which he or she relies on to guide the robot in creating incisions and performing the surgery.
- The robot has special tremor-resistant features and the ability to scale the surgeon's hand motions with incredible precision. The surgeon's controls allow him or her to complete certain movements (like 360º rotation), which would be impossible with the human hand alone.
- At any time, the procedure can be converted to a traditional minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or open surgery, if necessary. The surgeon maintains full control of the robotic technology throughout every step of the procedure and relies on the robotic tools to assist in certain tasks.
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What procedures can be done with robotic surgery?
Many procedures may be done with robotic assistance. Some of the robotic-assisted surgeries that are frequently performed include:
- Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
- Colorectal surgery
- Cancer surgery
- Gastrectomy sleeve
- Hernia repair
- Hysterectomy, with/without salpingectomy and oophorectomy
- Sacrocolpopexy
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Can anyone have robotic-assisted surgery?
Many procedures can now be performed using robotic-assisted surgery. Consult your physician and/or a qualified surgeon to find out if robotic-assisted surgery is your best course of action.
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How long does it take to recover from robotic-assisted surgery?
Many patients experience significantly shorter recovery times with robotic-assisted surgery over traditional surgeries. Your specific recovery time will vary depending on age, type of procedure and other factors.
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How do I know if robotic surgery is right for me?
Every patient's situation and condition is unique. Consult a qualified surgeon to find out if robotic-assisted surgery is right for you.
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How do I find a surgeon?
Consult the Find A Doctor directory, on this website, where you will find several highly experienced surgeons qualified and trained to perform robotic-assisted surgery.
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Is robotic-assisted surgery more expensive?
Robotic-assisted surgery is typically no more expensive than traditional surgery, and, depending on the specific procedure being performed, it can be far less costly.
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Will my insurance cover robotic-assisted surgery?
Robot-assisted surgery is typically covered by most Medicare-approved and private health insurers.
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Does robotic-assisted surgery have a higher success rate than traditional procedures?
No surgical technique can guarantee a successful outcome. However, indications are that patients having undergone robotic-assisted surgeries report a greater percentage of successful outcomes over traditional surgeries.
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How can the surgeon work with my current doctor?
Your physician will consult with any surgeon before you undergo surgery. That is also the case with robotic-assisted surgery. With increasing positive results and improved patient outcomes, your physician is probably very aware of robotic-assisted surgery and its benefits.
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Can all surgeries be done with robotic technology, or only some?
The robotic-assisted surgical system has become widely used for many surgical procedures, and many more applications are being developed every day.
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