Advantages & Disadvantages of Robotic Surgery

24 Apr Advantages & Disadvantages of Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery has become a transformative advancement in modern medicine, particularly in gynaecology procedures. Originally approved in the United States over two decades ago, the da Vinci robotic surgery system is now widely available in Australia, with more than seven million procedures performed globally. This innovative technology enables surgeons to perform complex surgeries with improved precision, minimal invasiveness, and faster patient recovery.

In this guide, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of robotic surgery to help you understand whether this surgical option may be suitable for you.

What Are the Main Advantages of Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery offers a range of significant benefits over both traditional open surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery. Being minimally invasive, it shares common advantages such as less bleeding, reduced infection risk, less pain, and quicker recovery compared to open procedures. However, robotic surgery provides unique benefits that enhance surgical outcomes further:

• Enhanced Visualisation: Surgeons benefit from a magnified (up to 10x), high-definition 3D view of the operating field, allowing unparalleled detail during surgery.
• Greater Instrument Precision: Robotic instruments (such as the EndoWrist) mimic — and exceed — the natural range of motion of the human wrist, improving surgical dexterity.
• Tremor Elimination: The robotic system filters out natural hand tremors, ensuring smoother and more controlled instrument and camera movements.
• Improved Surgeon Control: Unlike conventional laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon directly controls all robotic arms and the camera, without relying heavily on an assistant.
• Reduced Trauma to Incision Sites: Minimal manipulation through fulcrum points and wristed instruments reduces local tissue trauma and potentially decreases post-operative pain.

In gynaecology, these technological advancements allow complex procedures — such as hysterectomy surgeries for larger uteruses or operations in overweight patients — to be performed minimally invasively. This means quicker recovery, smaller scars, and fewer surgical risks.

Are There Disadvantages to Robotic Surgery?

While robotic surgery presents remarkable advantages, there are a few important drawbacks to consider:

• Higher Cost: Robotic surgery remains more expensive compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery. Most robotic systems are currently installed in private hospitals across Australia, and while most private health insurance policies cover additional costs, not all do.
• Accessibility Challenges: Due to its higher costs and limited installation in certain hospitals, robotic surgery is not as widely accessible as traditional surgical methods. Even when a hospital has a robotic system, not all surgeons have access to use it, as it is usually in extremely high demand.
• Specialised Training Requirement: Surgeons require additional, highly specialised training to operate robotic systems proficiently.
• Potential Technical Risks: As with any technology, robotic systems can experience technical malfunctions, although these are rare.

Encouragingly, as new robotic systems enter the Australian healthcare market and competition increases, costs are gradually decreasing, potentially improving accessibility for more patients. Learn more about robotic surgery services available with Dr Kent Kuswanto.

How Does Robotic Surgery Compare to Traditional Laparoscopic Surgery?

In short, while both techniques offer minimally invasive benefits, robotic surgery provides superior visualisation, precision, and control, which can be critical for more complex cases.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery is particularly beneficial for patients needing complex or delicate procedures, including:

• Large fibroid or uterine surgeries
• Advanced endometriosis treatment
• Gynaecological cancer surgeries
• Patients with higher BMI requiring minimally invasive options

If you are considering surgery and want to explore robotic options, consulting a qualified robotic gynaecological surgeon is essential to assess suitability based on your medical needs.

FAQs About Robotic Surgery

Is robotic surgery safer than traditional surgery?
Robotic surgery is considered very safe and offers better precision and reduced trauma compared to open surgery, especially in complex cases.

How long does recovery from robotic gynaecological surgery take?
Most patients experience a quicker recovery — many return to light activities within 2–3 weeks, compared to 4–6 weeks for open surgery. You can read more about the typical patient journey here.

Will robotic surgery leave scars?
Small keyhole incisions heal with minimal scarring, and scars often become barely noticeable over time.

Is robotic surgery more expensive than laparoscopic surgery?
Yes, robotic surgery generally incurs higher costs due to the technology involved, but many private health insurers offer coverage.

Final Note:

Robotic surgery represents a significant leap forward in surgical care, offering both patients and surgeons enhanced safety, precision, and faster recovery times. However, it is important to weigh the benefits and costs carefully.
If you are considering robotic surgery for your gynaecological needs, speak to Dr Kent Kuswanto for expert guidance and personalised care options.