Robotic surgery
Robotic surgery lets the surgeon operate through small cuts with a magnified 3D view and instruments that bend like a wrist. The surgeon controls every movement.
How it works
The surgeon sits at a console a few metres from the operating table and looks into a high-definition 3D view of the inside of the body, magnified many times. Hand and foot controls move thin instruments that pass through small cuts. These instruments bend and rotate more freely than a human wrist, and the system filters out the small natural tremor of the hand.
Possible benefits
For suitable patients, compared with open surgery, robotic surgery can mean:
- Smaller cuts and smaller scars
- Less blood loss
- Less pain after the operation
- A shorter hospital stay and a quicker return to normal activities
Removing the cancer completely always comes first. A robotic operation is chosen only when it allows the same thorough cancer surgery as an open operation.
Cancers where robotic surgery is often used
- Rectal and colon cancers, where the narrow pelvis makes precision especially valuable
- Uterine and other gynaecological cancers
- Breast cancer, in selected cases, through small cuts hidden in the armpit
- Oesophagus and stomach cancers, in selected patients
- Head and neck cancers, using approaches that keep scars off the neck and face
Scar-sparing techniques for the head and neck
Common questions
Does the robot do the operation by itself?
No. The robot cannot move on its own. Every movement is made by the surgeon, who sits at a console in the same operating room and controls the instruments.
Is robotic surgery more expensive?
It usually costs more than open or standard keyhole surgery. Insurance cover varies, so please check with your insurer and the hospital’s billing desk. Dr. Suraga will explain whether the benefits are worthwhile in your case.
Is robotic surgery right for everyone?
No. It depends on the type, size and location of the cancer, your general health and any previous operations. For some patients, open or standard keyhole surgery is the better choice.