What should you know about the ROSA surgical robot?

ROSA does not operate independently. The surgeon remains responsible for the operation, while the system can support planning, positioning, navigation, and precise movement during a suitable procedure. Its use depends on the body area, the planned operation, the available equipment, and the team's experience.

Before surgery, your team may review scans and other clinical information to decide whether robotic assistance is appropriate. A robot-assisted approach may involve small access points, but the actual method varies and an open operation may still be more suitable for some people.

Ask which part of your operation ROSA would assist, what the surgeon would do directly, and whether another approach would offer a similar benefit. Bring a list of medicines, allergies, previous operations, and questions about recovery. Confirm which imaging or tests are needed before a final plan is made.

If ROSA is being considered for cancer care, ask how the operation fits with biopsy findings, staging, and any treatment before or after surgery. You can read more about the [Surgical Robot](/technology/surgical-robot/) and [Robotic Cancer Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/robotic-cancer-surgery/).

After an operation, contact your surgical team promptly for worsening pain, increasing redness or drainage at a wound, fever, new swelling, repeated vomiting, or a sudden change in movement or sensation. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, or sudden weakness.

Which surgical steps would the ROSA system support? What alternatives are reasonable for my condition? How might the chosen approach affect hospital stay, wound care, movement, and follow-up? Who will monitor me after the procedure, and which symptoms require urgent attention?