Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery. The surgeon operates through a few small incisions, using a robotic system to hold and move the camera and instruments. The surgeon controls every movement from a console in the operating theatre; the robot does not move on its own.

At Kulsum International Hospital, robotic surgery is part of the Kulsum Center for Surgical Excellence, alongside general, laparoscopic, bariatric, thoracic and vascular surgery.

How it works

• A camera passed through a small incision gives the surgeon a magnified, high-definition 3D view.
• Slender instruments with wrist-like joints follow the surgeon's hand movements and filter out small tremors.
• The anaesthesia and theatre teams stay beside the patient throughout the operation.

Possible Benefits

Compared with open surgery, robotic surgery can mean:

• Smaller incisions and scars
• Less pain after the operation
• Less blood loss
• A shorter stay in hospital
• A quicker return to daily activities

How much a patient benefits depends on the operation and their overall health.

Operations

Depending on the patient and the condition, robotic surgery may be used for:

• Hernia repair and gallbladder removal
• Bowel (colorectal) surgery
• Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery
• Prostate and kidney surgery
• Selected operations in the chest

Recovery

Your surgical team will plan your hospital stay, pain relief, wound care and follow-up visits, and advise you when you can return to work, driving and normal activities.