FAQs
How is robotic-assisted surgery performed?
Robotic surgery is an advanced minimally invasive surgery (procedures performed through tiny incisions). The robotic system comprises three components – Surgeon Console, Patient Cart and Vision Cart. The surgeon sits on a console that translates the surgeon's hand movements in real-time, bending and rotating the instruments at the patient cart positioned over the patient bed. Robot-assisted surgery, allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, greater flexibility and control than what is possible with conventional techniques.
Who would require cardiothoracic & vascular surgery?
It is required by one who suffers from blocked or narrowed arteries, heart rhythm disorders, or weakened heart muscles, heart valve disease or congenital heart disease.
How is robotic-assisted surgery performed?
Robotic surgery is an advanced minimally invasive surgery (procedures performed through tiny incisions). The robotic system comprises three components – Surgeon Console, Patient Cart and Vision Cart. The surgeon sits on a console that translates the surgeon's hand movements in real-time, bending and rotating the instruments at the patient cart positioned over the patient bed. Robot-assisted surgery, allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, greater flexibility and control than what is possible with conventional techniques.
How is robotic-assisted surgery performed?
Robotic surgery is an advanced minimally invasive surgery (procedures performed through tiny incisions). The robotic system comprises three components – Surgeon Console, Patient Cart and Vision Cart. The surgeon sits on a console that translates the surgeon's hand movements in real-time, bending and rotating the instruments at the patient cart positioned over the patient bed. Robot-assisted surgery, allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, greater flexibility and control than what is possible with conventional techniques.
What will be the postoperative course?
After the surgery, you will be taken to an intensive care unit (ICU) where intensivists will monitor your breathing, blood pressure, alertness, and wound. The patient is usually extubated on the same day or next day and tubes are removed on the 2nd day. The patient usually starts moving after 2 days and shifts to ward on the 3rd day and discharged on 6th to 7th day.
What is the difference between robotic-assisted and laparoscopic procedures?
Both are minimally invasive procedures using small incisions, a camera and surgical instruments. During a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon stands by the operating table and operates on the patient. However, in robot-assisted surgery, the surgeon sits on a console that translates the surgeon's hand movements in real-time, bending and rotating the instruments at the patient cart positioned over the patient bed. The tiny wristed instruments, of a robotic system move like a human hand, but with a greater range of motion than traditional laparoscopic instruments. Also, the robotic instruments because of its dexterity, can reach previously inaccessible areas of the body which is not possible with laparoscopic instruments.
The below table clearly outlines how surgical outcomes of colon resection surgeries have improved with the Robotic system by a surgeon practising in the United States.
| Parameters | Robotic Surgery |
Laparoscopic surgery |
Open surgery |
| Length of stay | 3-4 days | 4-5 days | 8-9 days |
| Complications | 1% patients | 2.6% patients | 4.8% patients |
| Blood loss | ~75 ml | ~102 ml | ~202 ml |
| Transfusion | 4.5% patients | 5.4% patients | 13.8 % patients |
| Readmission | 5.9% of patients | 11.4% of patients | 13.3% of patients |
Reference: Better outcomes with Dr Jeff Hurley. Board Certified, American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery. [Data on File].
What will be the postoperative course?
After the surgery, you will be taken to an intensive care unit (ICU) where intensivists will monitor your breathing, blood pressure, alertness, and wound. The patient is usually extubated on the same day or next day and tubes are removed on the 2nd day. The patient usually starts moving after 2 days and shifts to ward on the 3rd day and discharged on 6th to 7th day.
What is the difference between robotic-assisted and laparoscopic procedures?
Both are minimally invasive procedures using small incisions, a camera and surgical instruments. During a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon stands by the operating table and operates on the patient. However, in robot-assisted surgery, the surgeon sits on a console that translates the surgeon's hand movements in real-time, bending and rotating the instruments at the patient cart positioned over the patient bed. The tiny wristed instruments, of a robotic system move like a human hand, but with a greater range of motion than traditional laparoscopic instruments. Also, the robotic instruments because of its dexterity, can reach previously inaccessible areas of the body which is not possible with laparoscopic instruments.
The below table clearly outlines how surgical outcomes of colon resection surgeries have improved with the Robotic system by a surgeon practising in the United States.
| Parameters | Robotic Surgery |
Laparoscopic surgery |
Open surgery |
| Length of stay | 3-4 days | 4-5 days | 8-9 days |
| Complications | 1% patients | 2.6% patients | 4.8% patients |
| Blood loss | ~75 ml | ~102 ml | ~202 ml |
| Transfusion | 4.5% patients | 5.4% patients | 13.8 % patients |
| Readmission | 5.9% of patients | 11.4% of patients | 13.3% of patients |
Reference: Better outcomes with Dr Jeff Hurley. Board Certified, American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery. [Data on File].
What precautions will be needed after the surgery?
Precautions may differ for all procedures. However, some common precautions include:
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Consuming softer foods. Your throat may be sore, and you may find it difficult to swallow for an initial 1-2 days.
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Take all the medicines prescribed by your doctor, which may include painkillers and anti-platelet medications.
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To limit swelling and pain, you may be advised to keep your head propped up on pillows while lying down.
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Don't drive until your doctor advises you to.
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Avoid strenuous activities for a few days, such as heavy exercise or lifting heavy objects, unless advised by your doctor.
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Resume normal activities only after suggested by your doctor.
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Watch for symptoms such as headache or swelling in the neck, or pain or swelling at the site of the procedure. Consult your doctor in case you find such changes.
All in all, it is essential to follow your doctor's advice.
Why should I choose a robotic-assisted procedure?
The benefits of opting robotic-assisted procedures incl The benefits of opting for robotic procedures include:
Patient Benefits
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Shorter hospital stay
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Lower risk of complications
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A smaller incision with less visible scars
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Significantly less pain
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Reduced blood loss
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Faster recovery
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Reduced chances of surgical site infection
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Precise surgery
Surgeon Benefits
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Clearer and magnified 3-D view of the organs
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Good control over the surgical equipment
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Better surgical outcomes in patients, especially those with high BMI, heart or lung conditions.
What is Re-operative or re-do Heart Surgery?
A re-do surgery is performing a surgery on a patient who already underwent a heart operation in the past. While many patients may require this surgery, some common ones are:
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Dysfunctional valves
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Aneurysm repair
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Bypass surgery
Why is the healing process faster in robotic surgery compared to open surgery?
With robotic-assisted procedures, the healing process is faster compared to open surgery due to small incisions, less blood loss, a more precise suturing or closing of the incision, improved mesh application, etc.
| Parameters | Robotic Surgery |
Laparoscopic surgery |
Open surgery |
| Length of stay | 3-4 days | 4-5 days | 8-9 days |
| Complications | 1% patients | 2.6% patients | 4.8% patients |
| Blood loss | ~75 ml | ~102 ml | ~202 ml |
| Transfusion | 4.5% patients | 5.4% patients | 13.8 % patients |
| Readmission | 5.9% of patients | 11.4% of patients | 13.3% of patients |
Reference: Better outcomes with Dr Jeff Hurley. Board Certified, American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery. [Data on File].
How is minimally invasive cardiac surgery performed, and what are its benefits?
Usually, a minimally invasive cardiac surgery includes single or multiple very small incisions between your ribs. The surgeon then inserts a high-definition endoscopic system with a tiny camera through the incision to have a better view of your heart. The camera helps to display an image of your heart on a monitor.
Its benefits include:
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A small incision and thus less scar so cosmesis is good
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Less pain
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Lower risk of infection
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A shorter hospital stay
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A shorter recovery time
What are some of the warning signs and symptoms of cancer 123?
A change in bowel or bladder habits (2) A sore that doesn’t heal (3) Unusual bleeding or discharge from any opening in the body (4) Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite (5) Difficulty in swallowing or chronic indigestion (6) An obvious change in a wart or mole (7) A nagging cough or persistent hoarseness of voice
