Robotic surgery, or robot-assisted surgery, is a type of minimally-invasive surgery that allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures through several small incisions (cuts) on the skin. This technology allows the greatest precision and control compared to conventional laparoscopic techniques.

The robotic surgical system includes a camera arm and mechanical arms with surgical instruments attached to them. The arms are controlled by the surgeon, who is seated at a computer console near the operating table. The console provides the surgeon a with a high-definition, magnified, 3-D view of the abdominal cavity. There are many benefits to robotic surgery, including reduced recovery time and shorter hospital stay.

Patient benefits reported include:

• Shorter hospital stay
• Less blood loss and fewer blood transfusions
• Less pain due to smaller incision
• Less opioid use
• Less risk of infection
• Faster recovery and return to daily routine

Benefits have also been shown for surgeons which can have a positive impact on the patient. The robotic instruments enable surgeons to have a greater range of motion than human hand with enhanced precision and dexterity. Via an ergonomic console the surgeon sees a highly magnified, high-resolution image of the operating field allowing better access and increased accuracy. Read more here.

Toronto General Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital are one of the few hospitals in Toronto equipped with a robotic surgical platform. At UHN/SHS, we have four surgeons who each have completed hundreds of complex robotic cases and are experts in the field of robotic surgery.

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