Question 1

It feels strange to know that instead of a surgeon, it is a robot who is operating on me. Is it really that safe?

Accepted Answer

you may be under the impression that the robot is in control of the entire surgery. But nothing could be further from the truth. While a robotic surgical system is being used during the surgery, the surgeon is in charge. The surgeon directs the robotic surgical system about what needs to be done. The robotic surgical system does not make decisions at any point and cannot do anything on its own unless the surgeon directs it to do so. The robotic surgical system mimics the movements of the surgeon. Every movement of the robotic surgical system takes place because the surgeon has directed the system to do that. This is why it is important to remember that the surgeon is the one who is responsible for any robotic surgical system movements. Robotic surgical systems enable surgeries with far greater precision than a surgeon’s hand.

Question 2

I have heard the term minimally invasive surgery and Robotic Surgery is a type of such surgery. What does it mean exactly?

Accepted Answer

Understandably, you might be confused about the term that is often used but hardly explained. Minimally invasive surgery means smaller incisions. Hence, when you are talking about minimally invasive surgery it means that the surgery can be performed without bigger incisions and often without incisions. There is less blood loss and there is a lesser risk of infection which means speedy recovery as well. However, robotic surgery involves a robotic arm, a camera, and a screen. The doctors control the arm that mimics surgical motion to execute the surgery. The benefit of this is improved precision and better vision.

Question 3

Is every doctor equipped to perform Robotic Surgery?

Accepted Answer

Robotic Surgery is not available everywhere and no, not every doctor or surgeon can start doing Robotic Surgery immediately without any training. Only after proper training can surgeons perform robotic surgeries. At Narayana Health, surgeons undergo multiple training sessions and rigorous practice to perform robotic surgeries proficiently.

Question 4

What can I expect after Robotic Surgery?

Accepted Answer

When Robotic Surgery is performed, the recovery time is less compared to traditional surgery. However, the surgery that has been performed, the medical history, and the complications that may arise play a role in determining what will happen after Robotic Surgery. For some people, they need to stay for only two nights at the hospital and then they are free to return home. For others, it may take a bit longer. This is why it depends on the individual about how long the recovery will take and how smooth everything will be after the surgery. Usually, the time for recovery is much shorter.

Question 5

How does a robotic surgeon know what is happening during the surgery?

Accepted Answer

Before the surgery begins, a camera is put inside the body where the surgery is to take place. With the help of this, the surgeon gets clear images of the area that is going to be operated on. The surgeon makes decisions based on the real-time images shown at the console where s/he is sitting and directing the entire procedure. Note that what the surgeon sees in traditional surgery and what s/he sees during Robotic Surgery can vary. That is because during surgery, the camera is of high resolution, and it is highly magnified. This means the surgeon can see more detailed and crisp images.

Question 6

Since Robotic Surgery is minimally invasive does it mean I don’t need any pain management solutions?

Accepted Answer

Just because Robotic Surgery is minimally invasive does not mean that there will not be any pain at all. While the pain will be much less, since the patient is under anaesthesia during the surgery, they still require pain medicines after surgery. However, the medication and duration depend on and vary from surgery to surgery and from patient to patient because every individual is different. The doctor will discuss the pain management aspects with the patient and their family well in advance to make them aware of everything and how they can relieve pain after the completion of the surgery.

Question 7

Is there anything special that needs to be done before the start of Robotic Surgery?

Accepted Answer

The doctor at Narayana Health will guide you about the dos and don’ts; before and after surgery. They can recommend the patient discontinue certain medicines about 10 days before the surgery is to take place. These include anti-inflammatory medicines, warfarin, supplements, and aspirin. On the day of the surgery, the patient cannot have fluid or food for at least 8 hours before the Robotic Surgery. Certain procedures might require the patient to empty their bowels at least a day before the surgery. All these guidelines and methods to manage them will be explained to you clearly by our surgeons well in advance.

Question 8

What types of questions should I ask my doctor if my doctor has recommended Robotic Surgery?

Accepted Answer

you should ask every concern that you have regarding the procedure because not everyone is comfortable with knowing that a robot will be used on them during surgery. You should ask your doctor about how choosing Robotic Surgery will benefit you and your loved ones. You should ask thoroughly about the risks that are associated with Robotic Surgery and if any risks affect your life in the long term. Knowing about short-term and long-term effects is important. You should ask about the effectiveness of Robotic Surgery compared to open surgery and Robotic Surgery costs in India. Enquire about your doctor’s experience with Robotic Surgery to gain confidence. You might want to ask your doctor about the outcomes of the previous surgeries performed using robotic surgical systems. Since every individual is different, you want to make sure that you know what to expect in advance so that you can plan accordingly. You might want to ask about any technology-related concerns that you may be having regarding the surgery. You must note all your questions and ask them when you have an opportunity.

Question 9

Which is the best place to have Robotic Surgery in India?

Accepted Answer

Narayana Health Bangalore is one of the best Robotic Surgery hospitals in India. It trains surgeons so they have thorough experience of using robots during surgery, and they are given all the tools to ensure they provide optimal results. Experienced surgeons at Narayana Health strive to provide maximum patient safety and ensure that patients are carefully selected according to criteria so they can safely have Robotic Surgery performed and get the best treatment. At Narayana Health, every patient’s health and well-being is given the top-most priority always. At present, Narayana Health provides minimally invasive surgeries for gynaecology, urology, and gastroenterology. If the patient has any condition that falls under these then they might be eligible for Robotic Surgery after discussion with the doctor. Narayana Health plans to provide Robotic Surgery for cardiothoracic purposes, head and neck oncology, and otolaryngology. Narayana Health aims to be the best and foremost when it comes to using the latest technologies to perform surgeries and ensure minimal side effects.

Question 10

How Does the Robotic Surgical System Work?

Accepted Answer

Robotic surgery involves making small incisions on the body followed by advanced sophisticated medical instruments and high-definition cameras for operation. In some robotic surgeries, making an incision is not required at all. The surgeon manipulates the surgical instruments from a nearby console. The robots are capable of precisely mimicking the moves of the surgeon. Therefore, the surgeon stays in control throughout the operation.

Question 11

What to expect from a robotic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Unlike traditional surgery, the doctor doesn’t have to stand over the patient to perform a robotic surgery. They direct the surgery from a nearby console and carry out the procedure with precision and efficiency. Each surgery is different, but the general steps followed during a robotic procedure are mentioned below.

A tiny incision is made on the body that is no more than one to two centimetres long.
The surgeon advances a miniature robotic instrument along with a camera through the incision and reaches the area to be operated.
The surgeon then directs the procedure through a console or a computer, which offers a clear and magnified view of the area of operation.
The movements on the console are translated into precise and real-time movements of the instruments inside the body.
The robotic instruments offer better dexterity and range of motion allowing the surgeon to perform delicate surgeries in difficult places.

Question 12

What are the Benefits of Robot-assisted Surgery?

Accepted Answer

Some of the benefits of having a robotic-assisted surgery are:

It offers a better range of motion and precision to the surgeon.
It offers better access to the area that needs operation.
The hospital stay after the surgery is reduced.
Less risk of infection
Less pain
Less blood loss and fewer blood transfusions
Patients can go back to their daily routine quickly.

Question 13

What Conditions Can be Treated with Robotic Surgery?

Accepted Answer

Robotic surgery can help in the treatment and management of a wide range of conditions. Some of them include:

General surgery
Gynaecologic surgery
Head and neck surgery
Colorectal surgery
Heart surgery
Endometriosis
Thoracic surgery
Urologic surgery

Question 14

How many days does it take to heal from robotic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Robosurgeries are minimally invasive. However, every patient and every procedure is different. Therefore, you must consult with the doctor regarding the recovery and aftercare of the patient. Patients stay in the hospital for a night or two after their surgery and can go home. Most patients recover fully within six weeks of surgery.

Question 15

Is there a difference between laparoscopic and robotic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Robotic surgery is like laparoscopic surgery in many areas. Both types of surgery require small incisions to be made on the body and then a video camera and instruments to guide the operation. However, the difference with robotic surgery is that the surgeon sits at the computer and uses hand controls to manipulate the robotic instruments instead of holding the tools themselves. Another important distinguishing factor is the greater range of motion and precision that ensures less manipulation of tissues, less bleeding and less post-operative pain.

Question 16

What is the Da Vinci Surgical System?

Accepted Answer

The da Vinci Surgical System is an advanced robotic technique that doctors and physicians use to operate through small, dime-size abdominal incisions. The technology allows them to perform surgery with ‘robotic arms’ and specialised surgical instruments. A tiny endoscope helps the doctor to get a magnified and three-dimensional image of the operating area on their console. The console comes with controls to direct the movement of the robotic hands with precision thereby eliminating the natural tremor of the human hands.

Robotic Surgery: