Which specialist performs robotic cancer surgery?

The surgeon sits at a console and controls specialised instruments placed through small openings, while a camera provides a magnified view. The robot does not make treatment decisions or operate independently. The appropriate surgeon depends on the cancer site, the planned operation and the team’s experience with that procedure. Anaesthesia staff, nurses and other cancer specialists support the operation and recovery.

Ask the surgical oncologist why a robotic approach is being considered, what other surgical approaches are available, and whether the planned operation may need to change during surgery. Review preparation instructions, medicine adjustments, expected hospital care and activity restrictions. Share previous operations, breathing problems, allergies and all medicines with the anaesthesia team.

Contact the surgical team for worsening pain, fever, repeated vomiting, increasing redness or drainage at an incision, or difficulty eating, drinking or passing urine. Seek urgent care for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, sudden confusion or heavy bleeding. Use the discharge number if you are unsure whether a symptom needs review.

Ask: Who will control the robotic system? How often do you perform this operation? What would make an open operation safer? How will nearby tissue or lymph nodes be assessed? What will recovery look like?