Select City
location
Get my Location
search icon
phone icon in white color

Call Us

Book Free Appointment

Robotic Surgery Vs Laparoscopic Surgery

Robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery are both minimally invasive surgical techniques that can be used to perform a variety of procedures. This page intends to guide you through both approaches and weigh their pros and cons. To know more about robotic surgery or laparoscopic surgery, consult with expert general surgeons at Pristyn Care.

Robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery are both minimally invasive surgical techniques that can ... Read More

anup_soni_banner
Book FREE Doctor Appointment
cost calculator
Anup Soni - the voice of Pristyn Care pointing to download pristyncare mobile app
i
i
i
i
Call Us
We are rated
2 M+ Happy Patients
700+ Hospitals
45+ Cities

To confirm your details, please enter OTP sent to you on *

i

45+

Cities

Free Consultation

Free Consultation

Free Cab Facility

Free Cab Facility

No-Cost EMI

No-Cost EMI

Support in Insurance Claim

Support in Insurance Claim

1-day Hospitalization

1-day Hospitalization

USFDA-Approved Procedure

USFDA-Approved Procedure

About Robotic Surgery and Laparoscopic Surgery

Robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery are both minimally invasive techniques offering advantages over traditional open surgery. Robotic surgery, using a robotic system, allows the doctor to manoeuvre surgical tools with precision and dexterity via a console, offering 3D visualisation. This can lead to shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, and fewer complications. But it may cost more and take longer. With laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon directly controls the instruments through small cuts. Even though this technique is generally quicker and less expensive, it might not match the potential benefits of robotic surgery.

cost calculator

Laparoscopic Surgery Cost Calculator

Fill details to get actual cost

i
i
i

To confirm your details, please enter OTP sent to you on *

i

What is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses robotic arms to perform surgery through small incisions. The key aspects of robotic surgery are:

  • Use of Sophisticated Instruments: Tiny instruments, tethered to a robotic arm, assist in the operation. The surgeon operates this arm from a console located in the operation theatre (OT).
  • Precise Movements: The robotic arm precisely mimics the hand movements of the surgeon. The ability to scale these movements to match the instrument’s size enhances accuracy and control.
  • Enhanced Vision: The robotic arm possesses a high-definition three-dimensional camera. This camera amplifies the view of the operation site, significantly enhancing visualisation and depth perception.
  • Minimally Invasive: With small incisions and less surgical trauma, robotic surgery reduces scarring post-operation. This trait also fosters faster recovery times compared to traditional surgery, which involves larger incisions and longer healing periods.

What is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery, often called minimally invasive or keyhole surgery, is a modern surgical technique. It involves making small incisions (usually between 0.5-1.5 cm) to gain access to the abdominal or pelvic cavity. Here’s what characterizes laparoscopic surgery:

  • Usage of a Laparoscope: This thin, lighted camera gets inserted via a small incision, enabling the surgeon to see the operation area on a video monitor.
  • Small Incisions: Rather than one large cut, several small ones are made for inserting the laparoscope and specific surgical tools, thus lessening surgical trauma.
  • Abdomen Inflation: Carbon dioxide gas inflates the abdomen for better visibility and space.
  • Minimally Invasive Approach: Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic procedures cause reduced pain, blood loss and hospital stay period, while speeding up recovery.

Advantages of Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is a ground-breaking technique that offers numerous advantages over traditional surgical methods. Here are five main benefits:

  • Lower Risk of Complications: Robotic surgery lessens the likelihood of infection, damage to healthy tissues, significant blood loss, and pain during the recovery period.
  • Minimal Scarring: Due to smaller incisions made during the operation, the scarring is minimal which accelerates the healing process.
  • Shorter Hospital Stay: This advanced technique typically results in shorter stays at the hospital, thus allowing patients to return to their regular activities quicker.
  • Faster Recovery Time: Reduced trauma to the body and smaller incisions lead to less pain and swelling, speeding up the recovery process.
  • Improved Post-Surgical Outcomes: The precision and control provided by robotic surgery often result in more successful outcomes compared to those achievable with conventional methods.

Pristyn Care’s Free Post-Operative Care

Diet & Lifestyle Consultation

Post-Surgery Follow-Up

Free Cab Facility

24*7 Patient Support

Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery, often known as “keyhole surgery”, provides a host of benefits compared to traditional open surgery:

  • Lesser Incisions: Unlike large cuts made in traditional methods, laparoscopic surgery involves making small incisions. This leads to lesser scarring and faster recovery times.
  • Lowered Risk of Complications: Being minimally invasive, laparoscopic surgery lessens the dangers of post-surgery complications like infection, blood loss, and swelling.
  • Swift Recovery: Patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery generally experience quicker recovery periods. The minimal trauma to the body and smaller incisions contribute to this swift bounce back.
  • Reduced Pain and Discomfort: The smaller incisions in laparoscopic surgery result in lesser pain during and post-surgery. Furthermore, the use of local anaesthesia also helps in reducing discomfort for the patients.
  • High Success Rate: Owing to the precise control offered by the laparoscope and special instruments, laparoscopic surgeries have a more successful outcome compared to traditional procedures.

When is Robotic Surgery Used?

Robotic surgery finds its application in numerous medical specialties for varied surgical procedures. The diversity of its utilisation can be summarised a few points:

  • General Surgery: It comes into play for different general surgical procedures, such as removal of the gallbladder, repairing hernias and colorectal surgeries including treatment for colon and rectal cancer.
  • Urology: Prostate cancer surgery, kidney and bladder cancer surgeries are some urological procedures where robotic surgery is employed.
  • Gynaecology: Procedures like hysterectomy, myomectomy and pelvic floor reconstruction utilise robotic surgery.
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery: Robotic surgery is used in cardiothoracic procedures like coronary artery bypass and mitral valve repair.
  • Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery: Joint replacement, spine surgeries, brain tumour removal and other spinal procedures leverage robotic surgery.

When is Laparoscopic Surgery Used?

Laparoscopic surgery, widely recognised for its precision and control, finds its use in a wide range of medical procedures. These include:

General Surgery: Often applied in operations such as gallbladder removal, hernia repair, appendectomy, and ovarian cystectomy.

Gynaecology: This technique is used for various gynaecological procedures like hysterectomy, myomectomy, and pelvic floor reconstruction.

Urology: In the field of urology, laparoscopic surgery helps carry out prostate cancer surgery, kidney surgery, and bladder cancer surgery.

Cardiothoracic Surgery: It’s used for cardiothoracic procedures like coronary artery bypass and mitral valve repair.

Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery: This modern technique proves advantageous in orthopaedic procedures like joint replacement, spine surgery and also in neurosurgical procedures like brain tumour removal and spinal procedures.

Recovery After Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery offers a faster and less painful recovery compared to traditional open surgeries. The recovery duration can vary, influenced by the surgical procedure and individual health conditions. Here are key points to remember for a speedy recovery:

  • Stick to post-surgery guidelines shared by your doctor.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular light exercises.
  • Pay careful attention to wound care to prevent any infection.
  • Be aware of potential signs of complications; act quickly if any arise.

Recovery After Laparoscopic Surgery

Post laparoscopic surgery, your body needs time to regain its normal functioning. The recovery period usually spans a few weeks to a couple of months. Here’s what you can expect during your recovery:

  • Resuming daily routine and light exercise is typically feasible within a week or two.
  • Abstain from heavy lifting, baths, and sexual activity for the initial 2-4 weeks, giving your incisions adequate time to heal.
  • Mild pain can be treated with over-the-counter medicines.
  • Unusual symptoms such as escalating abdominal pain, fever, or signs of infection warrant immediate medical attention.

Comparison between Robotic Surgery and Laparoscopic Surgery

 

Robotic Surgery Laparoscopic Surgery
Precision Offers higher precision due to 3D visualisation and improved ergonomics Has lower precision, attributed to 2D visualisation and constrained dexterity
Ergonomics The comfort level is higher because of a stable camera view and reduced tremor Unstable camera mobility causes poorer ergonomics
Complications Risk of complications is lower Risk of complications is higher
Costs and Accessibility Costlier but less accessible due to specialized equipment/training requirements Cheaper and more widely accessible
Recovery Time Patients usually recover faster Patients usually take more time to recover

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery?

The key difference lies in the instruments used to perform these procedures. Laparoscopic surgery employs handheld instruments, whereas robotic surgery uses a system of robotic arms that are overseen by a surgeon from a console within the operation theatre.

What are the advantages of robotic surgery over laparoscopic surgery?

Robotic surgery provides multiple advantages such as higher precision, improved ergonomics, reduced risk of complications, and can accommodate more complex surgeries. Additionally, it has a shorter learning curve for surgeons.

What are the disadvantages of robotic surgery compared to laparoscopic surgery?

The primary disadvantage of robotic surgery is its cost. Moreover, it requires specialised training and equipment, which may impede its widespread adoption.

What are the common procedures performed using robotic surgery?

Procedures commonly undertaken using robotic-assisted techniques include prostate operations, hysterectomies, lung resectioning, and Nissen fundoplications. It is also employed in more complex surgeries like gastric bypasses, gastrectomies, and rectal resections.

What are the common procedures performed using laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is often utilised for gallbladder removals, hernia repairs, appendectomies, and ovarian cystectomies. It is particularly advantageous for surgeries within the abdomen and pelvis.

What are the benefits of laparoscopic surgery compared to open surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery offers several benefits over traditional open surgeries such as less trauma to the body, reduced pain post-surgery, faster recovery times, and lower risk of complications.

What are the benefits of robotic surgery compared to open surgery?

Like laparoscopy, robotic surgeries offer higher precision and reduced risk relative to open surgeries. They also provide enhanced ergonomics for surgeons and can be used for more complex operations.

What are the limitations of laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery’s primary limitation is the restricted dexterity and range of motion that handheld instruments offer. It also necessitates specialised training and equipment, which can hinder its adoption.

What are the limitations of robotic surgery?

Alongside the higher cost, robotic surgeries require specialised training and highly specific equipment. Furthermore, robotic systems can sometimes experience technical issues, making them unfit for certain types of surgeries.

What are the future prospects of robotic surgery?

The future for robotic surgery includes developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning are anticipated to boost the precision and efficiency of these procedures. Robotic surgery is expected to become more affordable and less traumatic, thus becoming a standard practice for many types of operations.

View more questions downArrow