Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS) for bariatric surgery

Patient information factsheet

About this leaflet

• This leaflet is for patients who may be having robotic-assisted bariatric surgery.
• It explains what robotic surgery is. It also explains what happens before and after your operation.
• It covers the possible benefits and risks. It tells you where to get help.
• This is general information. You should also read information about your own operation. And watch the bariatric education videos too.

Overview of robotic assisted surgery

• Robotic assisted surgery (RAS) is a type of keyhole surgery.
• It is used for metabolic bariatric surgery/weight loss surgery. This helps treat people with obesity.
• The operations may include:
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy
  • One Anastomosis/Mini Gastric Bypass
  • Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass
  • Revisional bariatric surgery
  • Hiatal hernia repair.
• The Surgeon uses a robotic system to help with the procedure.
• The robot does not operate on its own — it is fully controlled by your Surgeon.
• Robotic surgery may help some patients recover faster after bariatric surgery.
• It may also lower the chance of problems after the operation.

What is Robotic Assisted Bariatric Surgery?

During robotic bariatric surgery:

• Small cuts are made in your stomach area (abdomen)
• A camera and fine instruments are put inside your stomach area
• The Surgeon controls the instruments from a control station nearby.

The robotic system helps the Surgeon to:

• See the area clearer (in high-definition 3D)
• Perform very precise movements
• Work more easily in small or deep areas near the hiatus (the opening in the diaphragm where the oesophagus passes through).

This is particularly useful for stomach or bowel surgery.

What are the benefits of robotic surgery?

• Robotic bariatric surgery may help by:
  • Making smaller cuts (keyhole surgery)
  • Causing less pain after surgery
  • Reducing blood loss
  • Lowering the risk of some complications
  • Shortening hospital stay
  • Helping patients return to normal activities faster
• Not all patients will experience all these benefits.
• Results can be different for each person, depending on your condition.

What are the risks?

• All surgery carries some risks.

• Your Surgeon will discuss your individual risks with you.

• The risks of robotic assisted surgery include those of keyhole surgery:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Blood clots Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
  • Leakage from the bowel (anastomotic leak)
  • Damage to nearby organs

• Risks specific to robotic surgery include:

  • The procedure may need to be changed to standard keyhole or open surgery
  • Rare problems with equipment or technology, which the surgical team will manage safely.

What is the treatment for your condition?

Treatment options depend on your condition and overall health. They might include:

Robotic assisted surgery

• Performed using a robotic system
• Done through small cuts using keyhole surgery technique.

Standard laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery

• Similar small cuts but without robotic assistance

Open surgery

• Larger cut (incision)
• May be required depending on your condition

Your surgical team will discuss which option is most suitable for you.

What happens on the day of surgery?

• You will be admitted to hospital.
• You will meet your Anaesthetist and surgical team.
• You will have a general anaesthetic (you will be asleep).
• The operation will take place using the robotic system.

What happens after surgery?

After your operation:

• You will go to the recovery area.
• You may have:
  • A drip (IV fluids)
  • Pain relief medication
  • A urinary catheter (a thin tube placed into the bladder) to drain urine during and shortly after surgery
    • A nasogastric tube (a thin tube passed through the nose into the stomach) to remove fluid and air, helping the stomach rest after surgery.
• You will be encouraged to:
  • Get out of bed early
  • Start eating and drinking as advised.

Your length of stay will depend on your recovery and the type of surgery.

Going home

Before you leave hospital:

• Your wounds will be checked

You will receive advice on:

• Wound care
• Diet
• Activity.

You will be told when to:

• Return to normal activity
• Attend follow-up appointments.

When to seek medical advice

Contact your team or seek urgent help if you have:

• Increasing abdominal pain
• Fever or chills
• Redness or discharge from wounds
• Vomiting (being sick) or unable to eat
• Changes in bowel function (going for a poo) that worry you.

Get more information about bariatric surgery

• NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/
• Whittington Health NHS Trust website https://www.whittington.nhs.uk/
• Speak to your clinical team if you have any questions.

Contact our service

If you have any questions, please contact your bariatric multidisciplinary team:

Telephone: 020 7288 5372 (Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm)

Email: whh-tr.bariatric-ugi@nhs.net