Leonardo da Vinci surgical robot: what to know

The surgeon sits at a console and views a magnified three-dimensional image from a camera inside the operating area. The system holds small instruments and filters or scales hand movements, while the surgeon controls every instrument action. It does not operate independently or make treatment decisions.

Robotic access may allow several small entry points instead of one larger incision for selected procedures, but suitability depends on the operation, tumour position, previous surgery, anatomy and the team's experience. Robotic surgery is still major surgery: anaesthesia, bleeding, infection, pain, recovery and conversion to another approach remain part of the discussion.

Ask the surgeon what operation is planned, why a robotic approach fits your anatomy, and whether open or laparoscopic surgery would offer a comparable option. Discuss expected hospital stay, pain control, movement restrictions, wound care and the possibility of changing approach during the operation. In cancer care, the key aim is appropriate tumour removal; the robot is a delivery system, not a separate cancer treatment.

Share medicines, allergies, previous anaesthesia problems and health conditions. Follow the team's fasting, medication and breathing-exercise instructions, and arrange help for the first part of recovery.

After surgery, contact the team for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, worsening pain, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine or new swelling. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, heavy bleeding or sudden confusion. Use the discharge instructions for the operation you actually had, because recovery advice varies by procedure.

Who will perform the operation? What are the alternatives? How often does the planned procedure need conversion to another approach? How will tumour margins be assessed? What will recovery affect at home, work and driving? Which warning signs require an urgent call?