Robotic surgery: safer, smarter surgery?

What patients should know about robotic-assisted surgery

Surgical technology is evolving rapidly, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the rise of robotic-assisted surgery. Once considered futuristic, robotic systems are now enhancing operations across numerous specialties. But what does this mean for patients today? And how do these advanced technologies compare to traditional open or laparoscopic techniques?

Where robotic surgery is making a difference today

The use of robotic systems is ever-expanding, particularly in cancer surgery. And in some fields, such as robotic prostatectomy, it has become the gold standard. In the UK, Europe and the United States, robotic surgery is now routinely used for:

• Prostate and kidney cancer (urology)
• Gynaecological cancer (endometrial, ovarian, cervical)
• Hysterectomy and endometriosis
• Thoracic (lung) surgery
• Head and neck cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Upper gastrointestinal surgery
• Weight loss surgery

How robotic-assisted surgery works

Robotic surgery doesn’t mean the robot replaces the surgeon. Rather, the robot acts as a sophisticated extension of the surgeon’s hands. The surgeon remains fully in control, operating from a console equipped with a 3D high-definition view of the surgical site. Small robotic arms mimic the surgeon’s precise hand movements, filtering out any natural tremor and allowing for sub-millimetre accuracy in tight or delicate areas.

“The greater range of movement thanhuman wrists; the 3D high magnificationvision; augmented operative imaging,and no tremor, makes it feel like having asuperpower.” Consultant Thoracic Surgeon.

For example, in the da Vinci Xi system (by Intuitive Surgical), the surgeon operates from a console while robotic arms inside the patient replicate every command with greater dexterity than the human hand. The result: enhanced precision, superior vision, and control that often goes beyond the capabilities of conventional keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery.

Innovation driving demand

One of the major innovations comes from Intuitive Surgical, whose da Vinci Xi and single-port platforms dominate much of the robotic surgery landscape globally. CMR Surgical, a UK-based company, has introduced the Versius system, designed for greater flexibility and ease of use in general surgery. Both systems are part of a broader trend that has seen the global robotic surgery market grow significantly in the last five years, with demand expected to continue rising due to increasing evidence of improved patient outcomes.

Why has robotic surgery grown so fast?

The adoption of robotic surgical technology — despite the high price tag  — is unsurprising given its many benefits:

• Clinical research continues to show significant benefits:
• Smaller incisions with minimal or no visible scarring
• Reduced infection rates
• Less blood loss and post-operative pain
• Shorter hospital stays (e.g., from 10-14 days down to 2-3 days)
• Faster return to normal activities

A key example is lung resection. An open thoracotomy can cause severe post-op pain and long recovery times due to large incisions. Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery allows for smaller entry points, enhanced visualisation and precision, resulting in better recovery with fewer complications. But some of the greatest advantages go beyond patient comfort:

• Greater visualisation inside small cavities
• Preservation of vital nerves and vessels
• Ability to locate difficult-to-access or early-stage tumours

For instance, removing a head or neck tumour through open surgery may require complex procedures affecting the face. Robotic systems, by contrast, allow minimally invasive access through the mouth, potentially avoiding the need for major facial reconstruction.

Robotics in orthopaedics: what’s different?

Unlike the da Vinci or Versius systems designed for soft tissue procedures, orthopaedic robotics (e.g. Stryker’s Mako and Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA) focus on bone alignment and joint replacement. These systems assist in knee and hip replacements by creating a 3D map of the joint and guiding the surgeon in achieving optimal implant positioning.

But unlike soft-tissue robots, they function more as planning and precision guidance tools rather than direct manipulators.

Should patients seek out robotic surgery?

Not every procedure needs to be robotic. The best surgeons will choose the right technique for the patient based on anatomy, condition, and available technology. However, in many complex cases — especially cancer operations or difficult anatomies — robotic-assisted surgery can improve accuracy, reduce recovery time, and even avoid additional treatment.

Look for surgeons with high robotic case volumes, fellowship training, and access to the latest platforms like the da Vinci Xi or Versius. Many of the UK’s leading NHS and private hospitals now offer these systems.

Conclusion: a new standard of care?

Robotic-assisted surgery is not just a high-tech trend — it’s becoming a fundamental shift in how surgery is delivered. The combination of improved visualisation, reduced trauma, and enhanced precision offers real advantages for patients, especially when the robot is in expert hands. It also requires a surgeon to have the skills necessary when faced with the need to convert to an open procedure, due to complications.

At The MedicBook, we help patients identify true super-specialist surgeons who are trained in the most advanced techniques — including robotic-assisted surgery — ensuring the most appropriate, evidence-based treatment pathway for each individual case.

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