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Robot-assisted surgery is the cutting edge in today’s minimally invasive procedures. It enables surgeons to operate through tiny incisions with enhanced control, stability, and magnified 3D visuals. The dexterity of the robots is such that it allows tiny movements to be performed in tight spaces, which is too difficult or impossible for human hands. Patients benefit from less pain after the procedure, experience fewer complications, and can expect shorter hospital stays thanks to the minimally invasive nature of the surgery. In this blog, we take a look at how robotic surgery works, the types of procedures it supports, and how it’s shaping the future of care.
Synopsis
What Is Robotic Surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is the most frequently chosen option for most procedures today. Surgeons make a small incision into the target area to insert laparoscopic tools and perform the surgery instead of making large cuts and opening up the body. The benefit is that patients have less pain, there are fewer risks, and recovery is much faster. But laparoscopic surgery also has its limitations, as the tools are rigid and do not bend and rotate easily. Robot-assisted surgery overcomes all these limitations. This is how it works:
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Surgical robots are not autonomous. Each move of the robot is completely controlled by the surgeon sitting at a console inside the operating room.
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The robot mirrors the surgeon’s hand movements with absolute precision.
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Robotic arms can twist and rotate in ways that human hands can’t. They mimic wrist motion but with far greater reach and control.
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The system provides a high-definition, magnified 3D view. Surgeons can see clearly into the operating space and perform more complex actions in tight and delicate spaces.
Robotic surgery is extensively used in pelvic surgeries, where space is limited and delicate operations have to be performed. Minimally invasive surgery was already a major step forward, but surgical robots have pushed it several steps further.
How Robotic Surgery Works
For patients, robotic surgery feels no different from any other minimally invasive procedure; hence, there is no need for apprehension. The preparation, anaesthesia, and recovery are similar. You’ll be asleep during the operation and won’t feel the robot at work.
Throughout the surgery, the surgical team monitors your vital signs closely as always. You’re never left alone with a machine, and the surgeons are also present in the room. The robot doesn’t act independently, and it is entirely under the surgeon’s control.
Here’s what typically takes place during robotic surgery:
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The surgeon makes a few small incisions to insert thin instruments and a camera.
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A specialised robotic system is brought in. Its arms are attached to the instruments, and a high-resolution camera feeds live 3D visuals to a nearby console.
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The surgeon sits at that console, a few feet away from you, and controls every movement using hand and foot controls.
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The robot responds instantly, mirroring the surgeon’s motions with more stability and accuracy than human hands alone can achieve.
Procedures That Can Be Performed With Robotic Surgery
Robot-assisted procedures come into play when millimetre-level accuracy is essential and tissue preservation is of importance. Unlike traditional laparoscopic tools, robotic instruments can pivot, rotate, and move in directions human wrists cannot. Hence, they are ideal for confined spaces in the body.
Some of the key procedures performed using robotic systems include:
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Hysterectomy and Myomectomy: Offers enhanced visualisation and precision during dissection near delicate pelvic structures.
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Prostatectomy: Helps surgeons avoid critical nerves responsible for urinary and sexual function.
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Partial Nephrectomy: Enables tumour removal from the kidney while sparing healthy tissue and preserving renal function.
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Rectal Cancer Surgery: Allows better control in the narrow pelvis, reducing risks of nerve damage and complications like incontinence.
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Mitral Valve Repair: In cardiac surgery, robots allow access through tiny incisions between ribs, avoiding the need to split the breastbone.
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Reconstructive Urology: Useful in procedures like ureteral reimplantation or pyeloplasty, where fine suturing is critical.
Benefits of Robotic Surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery offers several procedure- and recovery-related advantages over traditional open and laparoscopic techniques.
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Greater Surgical Precision: Robotic arms provide wrist-like motion with seven degrees of freedom, allowing exact cuts and suturing in tight or delicate areas.
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Improved Visualisation: The console offers a high-definition, 3D magnified view, which helps the surgeons see fine structures clearly, especially nerves and blood vessels.
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Reduced Blood Loss: Controlled, steady instrument movements enable smaller incisions and less tissue trauma. This often minimises intraoperative bleeding.
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Lower Risk of Complications: Better access and fine motor control decrease the chances of accidental injury to surrounding organs.
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Shorter Hospital Stay: Most patients are discharged within 24–48 hours, thanks to faster healing and fewer postoperative issues.
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Faster Recovery: Smaller incisions reduce pain and help patients return to normal activities more quickly than traditional methods.
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Minimal Scarring: Since the incisions are usually around 1–2 cm, visible scarring is significantly reduced.
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Conclusion
Robot-assisted surgery has changed the way complex procedures are performed. It is becoming the preferred choice for many minimally invasive surgeries. Patients benefit not just from the advanced technology but also from the skill of surgeons trained to use it effectively.
If you're exploring robotic surgery as an option or want to understand if it's right for your condition, consult our expert oncologist at Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road. Our experienced surgical team and advanced facilities ensure you’re in the best hands, right from consultation to recovery.
FAQ's
No, in a robot-assisted procedure, the robot is fully controlled by the surgeon at all times. It mirrors the surgeon’s hand movements with more precision and stability. Nothing is automated.
Yes. Robotic-assisted procedures are considered very safe when performed by trained surgeons. They reduce risks like excessive bleeding and infection due to smaller incisions and controlled movements.
Many assume the robot operates independently, which isn’t true. The technology is simply a tool that enhances the surgeon’s abilities. Patient safety remains entirely in the surgeon’s hands.
Recovery is typically faster and less painful. Patients usually go home in 1–2 days and return to daily activities much sooner compared to traditional surgery.
Robotic systems are used for urology, gynaecology, gastrointestinal, thoracic, and ENT procedures. They are especially useful in areas where access is difficult or where precision is critical.
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