What should you know about the Hugo surgical robot?

It does not operate independently. The surgeon directs the instruments and views the operating field while the team manages anaesthesia, monitoring and patient safety.

For an operation, the surgeon places instruments through ports and controls their movement from a console or control area. A camera provides a magnified view, while the instruments can assist with precise movements in confined spaces. The system used and the number or position of openings vary with the operation and the patient’s anatomy.

Robotic assistance may be considered for selected cancer procedures, but it is one surgical approach rather than a separate type of cancer treatment. Open surgery, standard keyhole surgery or another approach may be more suitable. Robotic Cancer Surgery is planned according to the tumour, its location, prior treatment and the surgeon’s experience.

Ask which part of the operation the robot supports, what alternatives are available and whether the plan might change during surgery. Discuss anaesthesia, expected hospital care, pain control, wound care, activity limits and signs of complications. Tell the team about medicines, allergies, previous operations and health conditions.

Ask how the surgeon and hospital team are trained to use the platform and how your cancer will be assessed after removal. Read about the Surgical Robot if you want to understand the technology, but base the decision on the complete surgical plan rather than the device name.

Follow your discharge instructions and seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly worsening pain, persistent vomiting, high fever, confusion or a wound that becomes very red and drains heavily. Contact the surgical team promptly about new swelling, difficulty passing urine or concerns about an incision.

Why is robotic surgery suitable for me? What are the alternatives? Which steps will the surgeon perform robotically? What could make you change to another approach? How will recovery and cancer follow-up be managed? Who do I contact if a wound or symptom changes?