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Your doctor has just told you that you may need surgery. Before you have even had time to process that news, another term comes up: robotic surgery.
Now you're probably wondering, “Is a robot actually going to operate on me?”
No. A trained surgeon remains in control of the entire procedure. The robotic system is an advanced surgical tool that can help the surgeon with visualization, precision, and controlled movement during selected minimally invasive operations.
But there is a bigger question patients should ask: Do I actually need robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery.
Instead of making one large incision, the surgeon may use several small openings to access the treatment area. A camera provides a magnified view, while specialized instruments are controlled by the surgeon from a console.
The technology can allow very precise movements and provide a detailed view of tissues and structures.
Think of it as an extension of the surgeon's hands and eyes—not an independent machine making medical decisions.
Robotic surgery can be considered for selected procedures involving the abdomen, digestive system, abdominal wall, and other areas depending on the patient's condition and the surgeon's expertise.
Certain hernias may be suitable for robotic repair, particularly some complex, recurrent, or difficult-to-access cases.
A surgeon may use robotic assistance to improve visualization and instrument control while repairing the weakened abdominal wall.
However, a simple hernia does not automatically require robotic surgery.
Some abdominal procedures can also be performed using robotic techniques.
Whether it makes sense depends on the exact diagnosis, previous surgeries, the patient's anatomy, overall health, and the surgeon's experience with that particular procedure.
This is why an examination and proper diagnosis should always come before deciding on robotic treatment.
One reason patients are interested in robotic surgery is that it can be performed through small incisions in appropriate cases.
Smaller incisions may mean smaller scars and less disruption to surrounding tissue than some traditional open procedures. Depending on the operation, patients may also experience less postoperative discomfort and return to everyday activities sooner.
The robotic system can also provide the surgeon with a magnified three-dimensional view and instruments designed for controlled movements.
But don't treat these benefits as guarantees.
Your recovery depends on the operation itself, your general health, the complexity of the condition, and how your body heals.
The global surgical robotics market was estimated to be worth more than US$10 billion in 2024, reflecting the growing use of robotic-assisted technology in hospitals and surgical centres around the world.
That growth shows that robotic surgery is becoming increasingly established.
It does not, however, mean that robotic surgery is automatically the best option for every patient.
Here's something we think patients should hear more often:
Don't choose a surgeon because they have a robot. Choose a surgeon because they know when you don't need one.
It is easy to get impressed by words such as “robotic,” “advanced,” and “next-generation.”
But medical treatment isn't a technology competition.
If laparoscopic surgery can safely and effectively treat your condition, robotic assistance may not add enough benefit to justify choosing it. In another, more technically demanding case, robotic surgery may provide useful advantages.
The right question is not, “Which surgery sounds most advanced?”
It is, “Which approach is appropriate for my condition?”
The process starts with diagnosis, not technology.
Your surgeon will discuss your symptoms, medical history, previous surgeries, medications, allergies, and other relevant factors. A physical examination will usually be part of the assessment.
Depending on the problem, you may need tests such as blood investigations, ultrasound, CT imaging, or other scans.
Once the diagnosis is clear, the surgeon can explain whether surgery is required and which approach may be suitable.
Before agreeing to robotic surgery, ask straightforward questions:
Why do I need surgery?
Why is robotic surgery suitable for my condition?
Would laparoscopic surgery work just as well?
Is open surgery another option?
What are the possible risks?
How long could recovery take?
How often do you perform this particular procedure?
What happens if robotic surgery cannot safely be completed?
You deserve clear answers before making a decision.
Imagine a patient who develops a hernia after previous abdominal surgery.
The patient assumes that the same operation used previously should simply be repeated. During a detailed evaluation, however, the surgeon finds that the previous surgery and current anatomy need to be considered carefully.
Different repair options are discussed, including whether robotic assistance could provide better access and control.
The important result isn't that the patient received robotic surgery.
The important result is that the surgical plan was built around the patient's actual situation rather than around a piece of technology.
That is how surgical decisions should be made.
Dr. Ankit Ahuja is a general and laparoscopic surgeon who evaluates patients with conditions that may require minimally invasive or advanced surgical treatment. His approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, explaining treatment choices in simple language, and selecting a suitable surgical technique based on the patient's condition, medical history, and individual requirements rather than recommending robotic surgery simply because the technology is available.
No.
Every operation has potential risks, including bleeding, infection, reactions to anaesthesia, injury to nearby structures, blood clots, and complications specific to the procedure being performed.
Robotic technology does not eliminate these risks.
Good outcomes depend on appropriate patient selection, surgical planning, the surgeon's experience, proper hospital support, and careful follow-up after the procedure.
That's why choosing the right surgical team matters more than choosing the fanciest equipment.
Start by asking about experience with your specific operation.
A surgeon may have access to robotic technology but that alone doesn't tell you how frequently they perform the procedure you need.
Ask how the robotic approach compares with laparoscopic and open surgery in your particular case. You should also understand the expected recovery, restrictions after surgery, follow-up schedule, and warning signs that require medical attention.
Good communication is a major part of good surgical care.
If you leave the consultation understanding what is wrong, why surgery is being suggested, and what your options are, you're much better prepared to make a decision.
No. The surgeon controls the robotic system throughout the procedure. The technology assists the surgeon with visualization, precision, and instrument movement.
Not necessarily. Both can be useful minimally invasive approaches. The appropriate technique depends on the condition, procedure, patient's health, and surgeon's expertise.
Some patients may recover more quickly after suitable minimally invasive procedures, but recovery varies significantly depending on the type and complexity of surgery and the individual's health.
Robotic surgery can be a valuable tool when it is used for the right patient and the right operation.
But you shouldn't feel that you need robotic surgery simply because it sounds newer or more sophisticated.
If your doctor has recommended surgery, schedule a consultation with an experienced surgeon, understand your diagnosis, ask about robotic, laparoscopic, and open approaches, and make your decision based on what is medically appropriate for you.
The goal isn't to have the most expensive or technologically impressive procedure.
The goal is safe, effective treatment and a recovery plan you understand.
