Answering Your Questions About Robot Prostate Surgery

With the many benefits that robotic surgery brings to the table, most surgeries are conducted through robotic equipment. To clarify a misconception, the surgery is not performed by a robot; it is performed by a qualified surgeon controlling a robot. The robot helps the surgeon avoid making large incisions, which reduces scarring and decreases healing time. It also helps the surgeon to be more precise. Here are answers to some of the questions you might have about robot prostate surgery:

How Risky Is Robot Prostate Surgery?

The first question that patients ask is how risky a procedure is, especially if a robot is being used. Any surgery has its risks; using a robot minimises some of these risks, but, of course, it does not mean that there are zero risks.

Any successful surgery relies on the tests that were conducted before the surgery, the cleanliness of the OR (Operating Room) and equipment, optimal performance of the OR equipment and the skills and confidence of the surgeon. As long as these factors are considered before your surgery, you can relax.

So, what does this mean? Before surgery, ensure that plenty of tests are done to ensure that there won't be any complications. You might not know what these tests are, and that is why you need to talk to the surgeon before the surgery. Ask him or her about complications, even the rarest and how he or she avoids them. You also need to ensure that the surgeon is fully skilled and competent in the use of robotic equipment.

Is It True That Robot Prostate Surgery Leaves Minimal Scarring?

Yes, it is true. If the surgeon does not use a robot, it means he or she has to cut wider or longer to be able to see and fit his or her hands and tools in your body. You will, of course, notice a scar and your healing time will be longer. Using a robot means that visual aspects and tool fitting are accommodated in a tiny opening. You only get to see a small scar where the robot's tiny arm accessed your body. Your healing time is also reduced.

What Happens If Power Goes Out?

Before any robotic surgery is performed, OR pieces of equipment have to be prepped for the event of a power outage. Robotic pieces of equipment have a back-up battery that can power the robot for hours before the generators kick in. Therefore, you don't have to worry about a power outage.

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