What should you know about medical surgery robots?

A surgical robot is a computer-assisted system that lets a trained surgeon control specialised instruments during an operation. The surgeon remains responsible for decisions and movements; the robot does not operate independently. A console, camera and instruments can help the team work through small openings in selected procedures.

The system may provide a magnified view and allow controlled instrument movement inside the body. Whether it is suitable depends on the tumour, its location, previous operations, your general health and the surgeon's experience. Open surgery or conventional keyhole surgery may be more appropriate in some situations.

Robotic equipment does not remove the usual considerations of anaesthesia, bleeding, infection, pain or recovery. It also does not guarantee that an operation will be shorter or that recovery will be easier. Learn about the [Surgical Robot](/technology/surgical-robot/) and [Robotic Cancer Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/robotic-cancer-surgery/).

Ask what the operation is intended to achieve, which approach is recommended and why. Share previous operations, medicines, allergies, sleep-apnoea history and any difficulty with anaesthesia. Follow instructions about fasting, medicines and arranging transport or help at home.

Before consenting, ask about the possibility of changing to another surgical approach during the operation, the expected hospital stay and warning signs after discharge. A clear plan should include wound care, movement, pain relief and follow-up.

After surgery, seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, a rapidly worsening wound, new confusion or weakness. Contact the surgical team for fever, increasing redness, pus, uncontrolled pain, persistent vomiting or inability to pass urine. These signs need assessment regardless of whether the operation used a robot.

Why is robotic surgery suitable for my tumour? How often does your team perform this operation? What are the alternatives? Could the operation change approach? How will pain, movement, wound care and pathology results be managed after surgery?