What Are the Benefits of Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery offers many benefits both for the surgeon and the patient.

Smaller Incisions with Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery can be done through a much smaller incision. This smaller opening means smaller scars and fewer negative surgical side effects, including:

• Bleeding
• Discomfort in recovery
• Infection risk
• Long hospital stay

Increased Safety with Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery technology includes built-in safety mechanisms similar to modern cars with backup cameras and blind-spot monitors. This increases safety in several ways:

• Because the surgeon can remain seated and comfortable during the procedure, the risk of surgeon fatigue is reduced.
• Robotic surgery eliminates the risk of hand tremors for the surgeon.
• Surgeons can control everything all at once.

Faster Surgery Time with Robotic Surgery

In some cases, robotic surgery also can be done faster which means less possibility of fatigue for the surgeon and less open exposure to infection.

Robotic Surgery Procedures at Hackensack Meridian Health

Most surgeries today can be conducted robotically, including:

• Hernia repair (ventral, incision, umbilical, inguinal, hiatal, diaphragmatic)
• Bariatric surgery
• Adrenalectomy
• Appendectomy
• Cholecystectomy
• Distal pancreatectomy
• Gastrectomy
• Heller myotomy
• Colon and rectal resection (left, right, sigmoid, total, rectum)
• Rectal prolapse (rectopexy)
• Lysis of adhesions
• Nissen fundoplication
• Pancreatectomy (Whipple procedure)
• Small bowel resection
• Splenectomy

Common Questions About Robotic Surgery

If you’re in need of surgery, you may be feeling overwhelmed and concerned about the process. Fortunately, today, many procedures are available using minimally invasive technology, which can provide added safety and shorter recovery times. 

Our team at Hackensack Meridian Health is here to help you understand all the available options for robotic surgery and what might best fit your specific condition and circumstances.

What Is Robotic Surgery?

During robotic surgery, a surgeon sits at a console and uses robotic arms to conduct a minimally invasive procedure. Robotic surgery technology allows our surgeons to control a camera arm, giving them a high-definition, magnified view of the surgical site.

These robotic controls also provide the surgeon with an increased range of motion and dexterity. This allows for extreme precision, quicker procedures and shorter recovery times.

Below, you will find answers to some of the common questions patients have about robotic surgery.

Who Is a Candidate for Robotic Surgery?

Generally, robotic surgeries are the best option due to their many benefits. But it may not be the best choice for those who have had other traditional surgeries and have a large amount of scar tissue.

What Are the Risks of Robotic Surgery?

While robotic surgery has built-in safety mechanisms and minimizes the risk of blood loss and infection, any surgery comes with some risks. However, the technology used in robotic surgery has reduced many of the possible complications associated with traditional open surgery.

How Is Robotic Surgery Different from Traditional Surgery?

Generally, surgical prep is no different with robotic surgery compared to traditional surgery. After your procedure, however, you will likely experience a shorter hospital stay and less discomfort. You will still have had an operation, so you will feel discomfort, but it will be minimal compared to a traditional method.

Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health for Robotic Surgery

To perform robotic surgery effectively, surgeons need specialized skills and training. Surgeons at Hackensack Meridian Health programs are some of the highest-volume centers in the state and provide this level of experience. For example, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, we perform 1,100–1,200 robotic procedures every year. That volume means better experience and knowledge for our surgeons—and better outcomes for our patients.

With our robotic surgical team that not only has the proper training but also ample experience, so you can expect the best possible experience and outcomes.

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