The Role of Robotics in Surgery and Recovery Time

May 27, 2025

The Role of Robotics in Surgery and Recovery Time

Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
27 May, 2025

The Role of Robotics in Surgery and Recovery Time

With the latest technological advancements in the field of medical science, robotic surgery is gaining a firm foothold. Today, surgeons are being assisted by a robotic device which comes with a robotic arm that carries tiny surgical instruments. With the help of a viewing screen and some controllers, the surgeon performs the operation. Welcome to the world of robotic surgery! Robotic surgeries are fast gaining popularity because of the success rate of robotic surgeries. Let us delve into the basics of understanding why robotic surgery is better for recovery.

Robotic-assisted surgery vs traditional surgery

Unlike traditional surgery, robotic-assisted surgery has proved to be more advantageous. Robotic surgeries allow doctors to perform various complex procedures with more precision, control, and flexibility, unlike traditional surgeries. Severe blood loss that is often associated with traditional surgery is not incurred in a robotic surgery as most of the robotic-assisted surgeries are performed through a small incision. Very rarely does it require open surgeries. Although traditional surgery is still the preferred mode of conducting operations, the benefits of robotic surgery for faster healing cannot be overlooked.

How robotic surgery works in modern hospitals

Robotic surgeries are carried out by professionally qualified surgeons who are adequately trained to handle such surgeries. In a robotic-assisted surgery, a surgeon remains at a console while manipulating tiny, surgical instruments by means of robotic arms. The surgeon gets a clear picture of the entire procedure in a viewing screen which helps in easy navigation of the surgical instruments. Generally, a robotic surgery system includes both a camera arm and mechanical arms, having tiny surgical instruments attached to them. The viewing screen offers a highly magnified, 3-D view of the surgical area.

Does robotic surgery reduce hospital stay?

Before opting for robotic surgery, it is important to understand how robotics help in surgery recovery. In comparison to conventional surgery, robotic-assisted surgeries offer faster recovery time and shorter stays in hospitals. Since these surgeries require smaller incisions and rarely open surgeries, there is less blood loss. As a result, chances of post-surgical infections get considerably reduced, with fewer complications. The entire patient experience after robotic surgery is less painful, with minimal tell-tale scars.

Robotic surgery pros and cons for patients

Robotic-assisted surgeries offer many advantages over traditional surgeries. Some of the benefits of robotic surgery are:

Less painful
Minimal scars
Lower risk of infections
Faster recovery period
Shorter hospital stays
Decreased blood loss

However, there’s a flip side to robotic surgeries too! Sometimes, complications may arise during a robotic-surgery that may require the surgeon to opt for an open procedure with a larger incision. This may leave behind visible scars. At times, nerves might get damaged and compressed. In rare cases, the robotic arm may present a malfunction.

As with most cases, robotic surgeries too have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Whether to resort to a robotic surgery over a traditional one, is solely at the surgeon’s discretion. It is important to understand that robotic surgery is not superior or better than other types of surgeries. It is just another approach to providing the patient with better health outcomes and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is robotic surgery and how does it work?

In simple language, robotic surgery makes use of a robotic device to perform a surgical procedure. The device which comprises a camera arm and mechanical arms that hold tiny, surgical instruments, is controlled by the surgeon who gets a clear and detailed view of the incision site while remaining at the surgical console. Robotic surgery is an aid to help the surgeon perform complicated surgeries with more precision and expertise.

How does robotic surgery affect recovery time?

When compared to traditional surgery, robotic surgery offers quicker recovery time. This is because it entails minimally invasive procedures that require smaller incisions and less trauma to the tissue, reduced blood loss, and lesser pain. The risks of acquiring post-surgical infections are also lower. All these factors coupled together make recovery time and hospital stays shorter in case of robotic surgeries.

What types of surgeries use robotic assistance?

Robotic assistance is widely used to perform surgeries related to the urinary tract, female reproductive system, circulatory system, skeletal system, etc. Some of these surgeries include appendectomy, colectomy, gallbladder removal, gastric bypass surgery, hernia repair, hysterectomy, mitral valve repair, pancreatectomy, spinal surgery, knee and hip replacement surgeries.

Are robotic surgeries more accurate?

Yes, robotic surgeries are considered to be more accurate when compared to traditional surgeries. This is because of the enhanced visualization provided by the robotic camera arm, which gives a clear, detailed, and highly magnified 3-D view of the site of incision. This helps the surgeon perform the procedure with greater precision and dexterity, using the mechanical arms carrying the tiny surgical instruments.

Do patients heal faster after robotic surgery?

Yes, patients who undergo robotic surgery heal faster due to the minimally invasive nature of these procedures. Smaller incisions mean reduced blood loss and less trauma to the tissues. Robotic surgeries are also less painful and help the patient recover faster.

Are there fewer complications with robotic surgery?

Since robotic surgery entails a better approach to the surgical site, with reduced pain and blood loss, it has fewer post-surgical complications such as infections.