Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Procedures Side Effects and Warnings

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 leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from an incision site
• Abdominal swelling or pain
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Persistent diarrhea or constipation
• Blood in the stool
• Pain and/or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs
• Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Difficulty urinating, such as pain, burning, urgency, frequency, or persistent bleeding
• Being unable to eat or drink liquids
• Headache, feeling faint or dizzy
• Excessive vaginal bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour) after a gynecologic procedure
• Persistent or foul smelling vaginal discharge after a gynecologic procedure
• Other worrisome symptoms

In case of an emergency, CALL 911.