In robotic surgery, the surgeon sits at a console and controls the robotic arms, which hold specialized surgical instruments and a camera. The robotic arms are incredibly precise and can make small, detailed movements that may be difficult or impossible with traditional manual techniques. The system provides a high-definition 3D view of the surgical area, allowing the surgeon to navigate with great precision. The robot does not perform the surgery on its own—the surgeon is in full control at all times.

Robotic surgery offers several benefits compared to traditional open surgery: • Minimally invasive: Smaller incisions reduce trauma to surrounding tissue, leading to less pain, a lower risk of infection, and faster recovery. • Precision: The robot allows the surgeon to make highly precise movements, which is especially important in complex oncologic surgeries where accuracy is crucial. • Improved visibility: The 3D, high-definition camera offers enhanced visualization of the surgical site, allowing for better decision-making during the procedure. • Shorter hospital stay: Patients typically recover faster and may be able to go home sooner than after traditional surgery. • Reduced blood loss: The enhanced precision helps minimize damage to surrounding blood vessels, leading to less bleeding. • Cosmetic advantages: Smaller incisions may lead to better cosmetic outcomes and less scarring.

Robotic surgery can be used to treat a variety of cancers, including: • Colorectal Cancer: Robotic-assisted surgery is commonly used in the removal of colon or rectal tumors. • Oesophagus Cancer: Robotic surgery can be used to remove food pipe (oesophagus cancer). • Prostate Cancer: Robotic-assisted prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) is one of the most common robotic surgeries. • Kidney Cancer: Robotic surgery is used to perform a radical or partial nephrectomy. Because of technological advancements and improved manoeuvres, small kidney tumours can be saved by performing partial nephrectomy using robotic techniques • Gynaecologic Cancers: Robotic surgery is often used for uterine(endometrial)cancers. • Lung Cancer: In some cases, robotic-assisted thoracic surgery is used for the removal of lung tumors(Lobectomy). • Head and Neck Cancer: Robotic surgery can be used to remove tumors from areas like the throat, tongue, and mouth. • Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancers: Some liver, bile duct, and pancreatic cancers may be treated using robotic techniques.

• Incision size: Traditional surgery often requires large incisions, while robotic surgery typically uses smaller incisions, reducing trauma to the body. • Visualization: Robotic systems provide high-definition 3D visualization, whereas traditional methods rely on 2D views and the surgeon’s direct sight. • Precision: Robotic arms can make highly detailed, precise movements that manual surgery cannot always replicate. • Recovery: Recovery times are generally quicker with robotic surgery due to the smaller incisions and reduced trauma.

While robotic surgery is generally safe, there are some risks: • Longer setup time: Preparing the robotic system and setting it up may take longer than traditional surgery. • Learning curve: Not all surgeons are trained or experienced in robotic surgery, so the skill level of the surgeon is important. • Cost: Robotic systems are more expensive than traditional surgical equipment, which may influence cost or insurance coverage in some cases.

The duration of robotic surgery depends on the complexity of the cancer surgery. Typically, robotic surgeries are more efficient than traditional open surgeries due to their precision, but the procedure may still take several hours, depending on the extent of the cancer and the specific surgery being performed.

Recovery from robotic surgery tends to be faster than recovery from traditional open surgery due to the smaller incisions and minimally invasive nature of the procedure. You may experience: • Less pain: Smaller incisions mean less pain and the need for fewer pain medications. • Shorter hospital stay: Most patients can go home the same or the next day after surgery. • Quick return to normal activities: Patients usually return to their daily activities sooner, though strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks. • Faster wound healing: Smaller incisions generally heal faster and leave smaller scars.

In most cases, robotic surgery is just one part of cancer treatment. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, you may need: • Chemotherapy: To treat any remaining cancer cells or to shrink tumors before surgery. • Radiation therapy: To target any remaining cancer cells in the treated area. • Hormone therapy or targeted therapy: In cases like breast or prostate cancer. • Follow-up care: Ongoing monitoring with imaging and exams to ensure that the cancer has not returned.