Dexter surgical robot

The operating team controls the instruments and camera throughout the procedure. Whether the system is suitable depends on the operation, the patient's health, the surgeon's training and the equipment available at the hospital.

Robot-assisted surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon operates from controls that translate hand movements into precise movements of instruments placed through small incisions. The system may provide a magnified view and help the surgeon work in confined areas.

The robot is a tool rather than a replacement for clinical judgement. The surgeon chooses the surgical approach, supervises every movement and can change technique if the anatomy or an unexpected finding makes another approach safer.

Ask which operation is planned, why robot assistance is being offered and what alternatives include standard keyhole or open surgery. Tell the surgical team about medicines, supplements, allergies, previous abdominal operations, anaesthetic problems and any implanted medical devices.

Follow the hospital's specific instructions about eating, drinking and medicines. Plan transport and practical help for recovery, and clarify which symptoms the team wants reported after discharge. Instructions vary with the operation, so use the plan supplied by your own surgical service.

After surgery, contact the team promptly for worsening pain, fever, increasing redness or discharge at an incision, repeated vomiting, difficulty passing urine, or symptoms that are not following the recovery plan. Seek emergency help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, confusion or heavy bleeding.

Useful questions include how experienced the team is with this procedure and system, what could require conversion to open surgery, how pain will be managed, when pathology results are expected, and whom to call outside clinic hours. Also ask whether robot assistance changes the intended cancer operation or only the way it is performed.