Dr. Aditya Kulkarni is a Consultant of Laparoscopic and Robotic Gastrointestinal, Hepato-biliary-pancreatic, and Cancer Surgeon at the renowned Ruby Hall
What is Robotic Surgery?
If you are considering robotic cancer surgery, you may be wondering if it is the right choice for you. There has been a lot of buzz lately about robotic surgery for cancer patients. Too often, cancer is treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. While these treatments are essential for many patients, they’re not always the best option. In some cases, robotic surgery may be a better choice.
That said, Robotic surgery is becoming more and more common as a treatment for cancer. It offers many benefits over traditional surgery, including a smaller incision, less pain, and faster healing time. If you’re facing cancer surgery, it’s important to learn about all your options, including robotic surgery.
This guide will give you information about robotic cancer surgery so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment. It covers,
- Overview of a robotic cancer surgery
- Benefits of robotic cancer surgery
- Risks and complications involved
- How to prepare for robotic cancer surgery
- What to expect after robotic cancer surgery
- Cancers treated with robotic surgery
This guide is for cancer patients who may be considering robotic cancer surgery. Keep reading for advice from our cancer expert.
Overview of a robotic cancer surgery
Robotic cancer surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery. It is sometimes called robot-assisted surgery or computer-assisted surgery. In traditional open surgery, the surgeon makes a large incision to access the tumor. With robotic cancer surgery, the surgeon operates through small incisions.
The surgeon controls the surgical instruments with a computer console. They sit at a station near the operating table and view a 3D image of the area being operated on. The instruments are then inserted through small incisions in the patient’s body.
During robotic cancer surgery, the surgeon controls the movement of the robotic arms. The benefit of this is that the surgeon has more control and precision than they do with traditional open surgery.
Why are robotic cancer surgeries considered to be safe?
There are several reasons why robotic cancer surgeries are considered to be safe. First, the surgery is performed by a skilled surgeon using very precise instruments. Second, the surgeon has a clear view of the operative field thanks to high-definition cameras.
Third, robotic cancer surgery is typically associated with a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery time compared to traditional surgery. And finally, there is less pain and scarring associated with this type of surgery.
Benefits of robotic cancer surgery
There are many potential benefits of robotic cancer surgery. These include:
A smaller incision:
Robotic surgery requires small incisions. This results in less tissue damage and scarring.
Less pain:
Because the incisions are small, there is less pain after surgery. There is also less risk of nerve damage.
Faster healing time:
Smaller incisions result in a quicker recovery time. Patients who have robotic surgery often leave the hospital sooner and recover more quickly than those who have traditional open surgery.
Reduced blood loss:
Robotic surgery causes less blood loss than traditional open surgery. This is because the surgeon has more control and can avoid injuring surrounding tissues.
Reduced risk of infection
Robotic surgery has a lower risk of infection than traditional open surgery. This is because the surgeon does not have to make a large incision.
Risks and complications involved
As with any surgery, there are risks and complications associated with robotic cancer surgery. These include:
Blood loss
There is always a risk of blood loss during surgery. However, this risk is lower with robotic surgery than with traditional open surgery.
Infection
There is a small risk of infection at the site of the incisions. This risk can be reduced by taking antibiotics before and after surgery.
Nerve damage
There is a risk of nerve damage with any surgery. However, this risk is lower with robotic surgery than with traditional open surgery.
Scarring
There is a risk of scarring with any surgery. However, the scars from robotic cancer surgery are usually smaller and less visible than the scars from traditional open surgery.
How to prepare for robotic cancer surgery?
If you are considering robotic cancer surgery, there are some things you can do to prepare. First, it is important to talk to your doctor about all of your options. Be sure to ask about the risks and benefits of each type of treatment.
You should also ask your doctor about what you can expect before, during, and after surgery. This will help you know what to expect and be prepared for your surgery.
It is also important to take care of yourself before surgery. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest, and exercising regularly. These things will help you recover from surgery more quickly.
Is robotic surgery right for you?
Robotic surgery is a safe and effective treatment option for many types of cancer. However, it is not right for everyone. Your doctor will consider many factors when deciding if this type of surgery is right for you.
Some of the factors that will be considered include:
- The type of cancer you have
- The stage of your cancer
- Your overall health and medical history
- Your treatment preferences
Your doctor will also consider the risks and benefits of robotic surgery. This type of surgery is typically very safe, but there are always risks associated with any type of surgery.
What to expect after robotic cancer surgery?
After robotic cancer surgery, you can expect to have some pain and swelling at the incision site. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help with this. You should also expect to have some drainage from the incisions for the first few days after surgery.
You will likely stay in the hospital for one or two nights after surgery. You may need to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling. You should avoid strenuous activity for four to six weeks after surgery.
Your doctor will likely see you for follow-up appointments to check your incisions and to make sure you are healing properly. You should also see your doctor for regular cancer screenings after surgery.
Robotic cancer surgery is a safe and effective treatment option for many types of cancer. If you are considering this type of surgery, be sure to talk to your doctor about all of your options and what you can expect before, during, and after surgery.
Cancers Treated With Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery can be used to treat many different types of cancer. This includes cancers of the:
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Pancreas
- Liver
- Colon
- Rectum
- Kidney
- Bladder
- Prostate
- Endometrium (uterine cancer)
- Cervix
- Ovaries
- Fallopian tubes
- Skin
Robotic surgery can also be used to treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or lymph nodes.
Robotic surgery is a safe and effective treatment option for many types of cancer. If you are considering this type of surgery, be sure to talk to your doctor about all of your options and what you can expect before, during, and after surgery.
How can Oasis Clinic help you?
At Oasis Clinic, we offer a wide range of cancer treatments, including robotic surgery. We have a team of experienced cancer surgeons who are skilled in performing this type of surgery.
We also have a dedicated team of support staff who can provide you with information and resources before, during, and after your treatment. This includes financial counselors who can help you navigate your insurance coverage and payment options.
If you are considering robotic cancer surgery, we encourage you to contact us to learn more about this treatment option. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
