What are the risks of robotic surgery?
Robotic Surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery that is performed via very small surgical tools attached to a robotic arm. The surgeon controls the robotic arm with a computer and directs its movements from the console. The small, precise movements that are possible with this type of surgery give it a huge advantage over standard surgical techniques. It also allows the surgeon to perform the procedurethrough a much smaller incision,as compared to an open surgery.
While robotic surgery has multiple advantages over traditional surgeries, including smaller incisions, less pain, less blood loss, faster recovery and subsequently, a shorter hospital stay; there are some of the same risks associated with it as with traditional or laparoscopic surgeries:
- Risk of infection
- Cardiopulmonary risks from anesthesia
- Risk of injury
- Bleeding or the need of transfusion
It is important to note that all of the mentioned risks are applicable to all surgeries. The only risk specific to robotic surgeries is system failure that happens in less than 1% of the cases.
Conclusively, robotic surgery is the safest option compared to traditional surgeries and has more benefits than risks. That said, robotic surgeries can only be performed in selected cases. Discuss your options with a surgeon to figure out if it is ideal for you.
