What are Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Procedures?

• Cardiac Procedures

• Robot-Assisted Surgery—Overview

• Thoracic Procedures

• Urologic Procedures

Some laparoscopic surgeries that have been successful using robotic techniques include:

• Adrenalectomy —removal of adrenal gland
• Appendectomy —removal of the appendix
• Bariatric surgery —surgery of the stomach to treat obesity
• Cholecystectomy —removal of the gallbladder
• Colorectal procedures
• Hernia repair
• Nephrectomy —removal of a kidney
• Nissen fundoplication —surgical reinforcement of the valve between the esophagus and stomach
• Prostatectomy —removal of the prostate
• Hysterectomy —removal of the uterus (results in infertility)
• Myomectomy —removal of fibroids (noncancerous tumors in the walls of the uterus)

Compared to more traditional procedures, robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery...

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a robot-assisted laparoscopic procedure, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Damage to neighboring organs or structures
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Anesthesia-related problems
• The need to switch to traditional surgical methods (eg, traditional laparoscopic or open surgery)

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Pre-existing heart or lung condition
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery
• Use of certain medicines

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

Call Your Doctor

After you...