Yes, robot-assisted surgery is safe. Surgeons are well-trained in using the robot, and it helps improve precision. But, like any surgery, there are risks. These will be explained to you during discussions with your surgeon.
About robot-assisted surgery
Robot-assisted surgery is a type of surgery that uses a robot to help the surgeon perform the procedure. The robot allows the surgeon to make more precise movements and do more complex surgery.
This 'keyhole' surgery uses a telescope, so it is called ‘endoscopic’ surgery. A telescope and other instruments are inserted into the body through small cuts.
With traditional endoscopic surgery, the surgeon has the tools in their own hands.
With robot-assisted surgery, the tools are attached to the robot. The surgeon then controls the robot. The surgeon uses these tools to perform complex surgery while viewing a 3D image of the area.
Benefits of robot-assisted surgery
- Smaller incisions
Robot-assisted surgery uses smaller cuts than traditional surgery. These few small cuts are about the size of your fingertip. This means less pain, less bleeding, faster recovery smaller scars, and a lower risk of would complications such as hernia. - More precise
The robot helps the surgeon make precise movements. This can lead to better results. - Less pain
Smaller cuts mean less damage to the surrounding tissues. So, you may feel less pain and heal faster. - Faster recovery
Most patients heal quicker than after traditional surgery. This means you can go back to your normal activities sooner. - Lower risk of infection
Smaller incisions also reduce the chance of infection.
Risks of robotic surgery
The risks of having surgery with a robot are no higher than the risks with traditional techniques. Depending on the operation, there may be specific risks associated with the robot. Your surgeon will explain these beforehand.
What to expect
Before the operation
You will have an appointment with the surgical doctors a few weeks before surgery. They will explain the procedure and discuss the benefits and risks.
You can opt not to have surgery with the robot. You may be able to choose traditional surgery instead, such as:
- ‘open’ surgery – that is, with a wider cut
- standard 'keyhole' surgery without the robot.
Before your procedure, we will ask you to complete a pre-assessment health questionnaire and you may need to attend a pre-assessment clinic.
We will given you instructions beforehand, like stopping food for a few hours or stopping certain medications.
You will have the chance to ask any questions you may have on the day of your surgery. As with any medical procedure, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible, so please do not hesitate to ask all of your questions and be rest assured that there are no "silly questions". If there is anything in our answers that you do not fully understand please do let the team know, they will be happy to clarify things for you.
You can find some suggested questions you may like to ask your doctor below.
During the operation
We will give you anaesthetic medicines to make you completely asleep during the surgery.
The surgeon will make small cuts, or use natural openings such as the mouth, to insert the robotic tools and a camera to view the surgical area. They will control the robot at all times, and use it to perform the surgery.
The surgery may take several hours, depending on how complex it is.
Robot surgery is new to our hospital. The doctor doing your operation will be a fully qualified and experienced surgeon. If they are still training to become an expert at using the robot, they will be supervised by another surgeon (called a ‘proctor’) for a set number of procedures. The proctor is there to ensure the surgeon is using the robot correctly and safely. They can also offer help and guidance when needed. If a proctor will be present during your operation, your surgeon will tell you beforehand.
Afterwards
Recovery time
You may be able to go home the same day or within a couple of days, but this will depend on your surgery. You are likely to leave hospital quicker after robot-assisted surgery than you would after traditional surgery.
You may be able to go home the same day or within a couple of days, but this will depend on your surgery. You are likely to leave hospital quicker after robot-assisted surgery than you would after traditional surgery.
Post-operative care
After surgery, you may feel mild pain, swelling or bruising around the incision sites. Your doctor will give you advice on managing pain and caring for the area.
Follow-up appointments
You will need a follow-up visit to make sure you are healing properly. We will give you a discharge letter before you leave hospital. This will include details of when you will be told about the follow-up appointment.
Returning to activities
You can usually return to normal activities within a few weeks, depending on the type of surgery. Your surgeon will guide you on when it is safe to resume work or exercise.
Does the robot do the surgery?
No, the surgeon has full control of the robot. The robot simply allows the surgeon to perform the operation with more precision.
How long will recovery take?
Recovery times vary, but most people heal faster than after traditional surgery. You can usually return to daily activities within a few weeks.
Is robotic-assisted surgery right for everyone?
Not all surgeries are done using robots. Your surgeon will decide if it is an option for you. If robot-assisted surgery is an option for you, you will be able discuss the pros and cons of this and other non-robot options with your surgeon. You can then choose what is best for you.
Questions you can asak your doctor
- What medical and surgical options do I have for my condition?
- What is the best treatment for my condition?
- What are the differences between the different types of operation (non-robotic versus robotic)?
- How much training and experience do they have with using the surgical robot?
- How can I prepare for surgery?
- How will I feel after surgery?
Last updated19 Jun 2026