• Cardiac Procedures
• Laparoscopic Procedures
• Thoracic Procedures
• Urologic Procedures

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:

• Pre-existing heart or lung condition
• Increased age
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Use of certain medications

What to Expect

Description of the Procedure

Keyhole Incisions Keyhole incisions are placed in preparation for a robot-assisted surgical procedure. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

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.

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.