Robotic surgery: smaller incisions, faster healing
When it comes to “robotic” surgery, don’t let the term fool you.
Robots themselves don’t perform surgery. They’re nothing like robots you see on modern assembly lines performing repetitive tasks again and again.
Rather, they’re sophisticated tools under the total control of surgeons used to perform the smoothest and most precise operations possible.
While robotic-assisted surgery has been around for decades and continues to evolve, robotic options have exploded over the past five to 10 years. During that time, there’s been a shift toward robotic approaches for even some of the most complex general surgery cases.
Robotic-assisted surgery enhances all kinds of operations that improve and enhance quality of everyday life, including colorectal, gynecological, orthopedic (knee and hip replacement) and urologic. Bottom line: The benefits for patients are substantial. Among the biggest: The technology allows for smaller incisions, which means less pain and faster recovery for patients. Other benefits include shorter hospital stays, lower risk of infection and less scarring.
What does the robotic-assisted system look like?
Think of it as three essential parts:
- Patient-side cart: This is the machine with robotic arms that translates the surgeon’s remote-controlled movements, and cannot function without the surgeon’s control. The arms of the robot can hold a camera, scalpel, clamps, graspers and other essential tools. Surgical robots also have a greater range of motion than the human body.
- Surgeon console: This device uses 3D optical technology to look inside the patient and give the surgeon full control of the camera and robotic instruments.
- Vision cart: This is the system’s brain, responsible for recording and analyzing every movement. This is the system’s brain, responsible for recording and analyzing every movement.
Robotic surgery provides much added value, but it is important to remember nothing done in the OR has been replaced by the robot. Not the surgeon, not the surgeon’s knowledge and experience, not the anesthesia expertise, and not the caring manner of the entire surgical team. These critical components are preserved and emphasized. Robotics simply enhances patient care by leveraging technology to offer a faster and more comfortable recovery.
Depending on the type of procedure you need, your surgeon may use one of several leading robotic platforms, including but not limited to the da Vinci Surgical System® and MAKOplasty® surgical system.
Do surgeons need extra training to perform robotic-assisted surgery?
Surgical residents receive robotics experience as part of their training. Over time, the approach becomes second nature.
Are there situations where a robotic-assisted approach is not advised?
Patients who have had numerous abdominal operations sometimes form extensive scarring that may make a minimally invasive approach difficult. But every situation is different, and health care teams make decisions on an individual basis.
On rare occasions, a patient may voice reluctance about having a robot involved in their surgical care. After receiving a thorough explanation of robotic-assisted surgery, most patients choose to proceed. But for anyone still reluctant, an open or laparoscopic approach is always available and can be a good alternative.
Does insurance cover robotic surgery?
Yes. That should not be an issue. As with all technologies, the costs of robotic surgery should continue to decline over time as it becomes more widely adopted. Insurance companies understand that increases in surgical costs are significantly offset by savings generated from shorter hospital stays.
What questions should a patient ask their doctor if they’re considering robotic-assisted surgery?
Ask about expected recovery time, any postoperative restrictions, anesthesia methods, and how the team is prepared to respond to any complications. Most importantly, make sure your health care team answers your questions to your satisfaction and that you feel comfortable with your plan of care.
This story was originally published November 24, 2025 at 1:47 PM.