Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery that uses small surgical instruments and a high-definition 3D camera to perform procedures with more precision.
This procedure may be used for conditions such as hernias, gallbladder diseases and bariatric conditions.
Robotic surgery is considered less invasive compared to open surgery, and most patients can expect the downtime to be no longer than 3 weeks.
The cost of robotic surgery may be higher compared to other types of surgeries. Still, it involves greater precision and accuracy, reducing the risk of complications and improving recovery time.
Downtime: No physical or strenuous activities in 2 weeks. You may be required to stay in a hospital for 1-2 days after surgery to monitor your recovery.
What Is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery that uses small surgical instruments and a high-definition 3D camera to perform procedures with more precision than traditional laparoscopic surgery.
The surgery is usually performed for procedures that are greater in complexity to avoid damaging surrounding tissues and blood vessels.
What Are The Benefits Of Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery can provide many benefits to patients and surgeons alike.
These benefits may include the following:
Enhanced precision and accuracy
Reduced risk of complications
Easier accessibility to specific regions/tissues that are otherwise difficult to reach
Reduced surgery time
Faster recovery
Smaller incisions
By adopting this technique, procedures may be more efficient and accurate, thus allowing us to provide a full range of treatment options tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
What Conditions Are Usually Treated With Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is generally used for procedures requiring high precision, such as those involving delicate tissues or small blood vessels. It can also be helpful for surgeries that require an extensive range of motion, such as those involving the spine or the chest.
At G&L Surgical, this procedure may be used for certain conditions, such as:
The procedure is usually performed using a computer-assisted device that allows the surgeon to control the movements of tiny instruments with great accuracy. In some cases, the surgeon may also be able to view a three-dimensional image of the operative site.
This technology can help to improve surgical outcomes and minimise the risk of complications.
What Are Some Factors To Consider When Deciding Between Robotic Surgery VS Traditional Surgery?
When deciding between traditional or robotic surgery, there are a variety of factors that you should consider to ensure that you are making the best decision for your specific case.
These factors may include the following:
Cost
Complexity of surgery
Your health condition/history
Your recovery duration
Scarring
Cost
Compared to traditional open surgeries, robotic surgeries tend to involve a higher cost due to the deployment of the device involved in the procedure.
Complexity Of Surgery
Robotic Surgeries are recommended when the procedure involves precision and accuracy to treat or remove a specific condition, such as gallbladder removal. In such procedures, the deployment of robotic assistance helps pinpoint the exact location of the surgical site and perform the necessary treatment required, thereby reducing the chances of complications or damage to surrounding organs or tissues.
Your Health Condition
Depending on your health condition, you may be recommended for open or robotic surgery. For example, patients who are obese or have diabetes may be at increased risk for complications. In addition, patients with a history of heart or lung disease may also be at higher risk for complications. As a result, it is important to discuss your health condition and history with your surgeon to determine if robotic surgery is right for you.
Your Recovery Duration
In general, the recovery period for robotic surgery is shorter than that of a traditional open surgery as it involves smaller incisions and less tissue damage. This may be a factor when you need to consider downtime for recovery.
Scarring
One of the most significant advantages of robotic surgery is the smaller incision size. While traditional open surgery requires a large incision to allow the surgeon access to the internal organs, robotic surgery only requires small incisions. As a result, patients who undergo robotic surgery experience less pain and scarring.
If you are considering having surgery, discuss with our doctor the advantages and disadvantages of both open and robotic surgery. While both types of surgery have benefits, understanding the differences can help you make the best decision for your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
What Is The Difference Between Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery?
The two most common types of minimally invasive surgeries are laparoscopic and robotic. Both approaches use small incisions or ports and a camera to allow the surgeon to see inside the patient’s body.
In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon controls the surgical instruments directly. The instruments are long and slender, and their movement is restricted by the size of the ports.
In contrast, robotic surgery uses a computer-assisted system to control the movement of the instruments. This allows for more precise movements and a greater range of motion. The use of robotics has also been shown to reduce surgical complications and shorten hospital stays.
As a result, robotic surgery is often the preferred approach for complex procedures.
What Happens During Robotic Surgery?
The surgeon sits at a console next to the patient during the procedure and controls the robot’s movements. The robot is equipped with an arm that holds a small surgical instrument and a 3D camera. The surgeon views the patient’s internal organs on a monitor in real-time and can make tiny, precise movements with the surgical instrument.
Robotic surgery offers many benefits over traditional laparoscopic surgery, including fewer complications, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recoveries.
However, this surgery is not appropriate for all patients or all procedures. Your doctor will determine if you are a candidate for this type of surgery based on your medical history and the type of procedure you need.
What Is The Length Of Stay In The Hospital After Robotic Surgery?
The average length of hospital stay after robotic surgery will depend on the surgery that you have undergone. Typically, a patient will be discharged within 1-2 days following the treatment. However, every patient is different, and some may need to stay longer depending on the complexity of the procedure and their overall health.
Some of the common factors that can affect the length of your hospital stay include:
The type of surgery you had,
How well you are healing, and
Whether you have any complications.
However, if you have any concerns about your recovery, our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We want you to feel confident and comfortable before you leave the hospital so that you can focus on your recovery.
How Many Incisions Are Needed For Robotic Surgery?
The number of incisions needed for robotic surgery will depend on the specific procedure being performed. In general, however, most robotic surgery procedures can be accomplished through just up to 4 small incisions.
This is one of the significant advantages of robotic surgery over traditional surgery, which often requires large incisions that can result in significant scarring. The small incisions in robotic surgery also lead to less pain and quicker recovery.
As a result, more and more patients choose to perform their surgeries using robotics. If you are considering having surgery, talk to our doctor to see if robotic surgery is an option.
How Do I Prepare For Robotic Surgery?
When preparing for robotic surgery, patients are recommended to inform the doctor of any medication or prescriptions that they are consuming. Your doctor may require you to stop taking some of these medications in the days leading up to your procedure.
Patients are also advised to inform the doctor of any pre-existing conditions, such as health conditions or pregnancy.
For easy reference, we have listed what patients can expect before, during, and after robotic surgery.
What To Expect With Robotic Surgery?
If you are planning to undergo robotic surgery in Singapore, observe the following instructions.
Before your procedure:
Fasting is required 8 hours before your surgery (Fasting Timing depends on your surgery timing).
You will be asked to empty your bladder before the treatment.
You may need to stop certain medications (such as blood thinners) a week before the operation.
Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol.
On the day of your procedure:
The procedure will be performed under general anaesthesia.
You will be unconscious throughout the treatment.
There will be 3 to 5 small cuts to complete a keyhole procedure.
Our surgeon will advise you on the specific details.
After your procedure:
Depending on the type of condition, you may be discharged in the next 1-2 days.
Most patients are able to return to normal activities after 3 to 7 days.
You may experience mild to moderate incisional pain and discomfort. This may last 2 to 14 days but will likely be gone within 3 weeks after surgery.
Follow up with our surgeon within 2 weeks post-surgery.
What Should I Expect During My Recovery From Robotic Surgery?
One significant advantage of robotic surgery is a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return to normal activities. Most people go home a day after surgery.
You will have some pain and be given medication to help with this. You may also have staples or stitches that will need to be removed in 10-14 days.
Most people feel well enough to return to work and their normal activities within two weeks.
There are some precautions you need to take for the first four to six weeks, such as avoiding heavy lifting, straining, sexual activity, and contact sports. You will have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon within two weeks to ensure you are healing properly.
Depending on your procedure, you may need additional follow-up appointments. Our team will give you specific instructions on what to expect during your recovery period.
Patient Feedback
Dr Ganesh is a trusted doctor. I have piles and he knows immediately what to do for my condition. Within 2 weeks I no longer have pain or discomfort and I know now that my diet plays a part also.
Thank you Jiaxin and Ann, who are friendly and always smiling. If you are looking for a warm and friendly clinic, look for them!
5
If you are looking for a trusted doctor for your treatment, Dr Ganesh is the right doctor to find. He is caring and patient and willing to explain in detail to the patient whenever they have doubts. I had piles and wasn’t sure if I needed to treat them but Dr Ganesh patiently explained my condition to me. I felt at ease and knew I could trust him to propose the best treatment.
Turns out I simply need to take better care of my diet and constipation to avoid triggering it. I followed his medication and now no longer experience any discomfort. Thank you Dr Ganesh!
5 Stars
I highly recommend Dr Ganesh. He was incredibly calm and patient with me when I saw him for haemorrhoids problem. He explained his approach to the surgery in a way that made me feel safe and as a patient, I knew I am in good hands.
His team’s post surgical care is also top notch, giving great follow up to ensure that I am recovering well and making sure that I do not experience complications.
Thank you Dr Ganesh.
5 Stars
I never knew that haemorrhoids can be a serious condition until it finally worsened. I had on and off piles maybe due to my work and never thought it would require medical attention.
However, 2 weeks ago, I started experiencing pain whenever I passed my bowels and noticed that there was blood in the stools. I thought of the worst but decided to seek a doctor’s opinion. I saw Dr Ganesh on the same day and he explained to me patiently about piles and the type of treatment needed for my condition.
As it was pretty bad, I went ahead with his recommendations to have a pile ligation. It’s 2 weeks since the procedure and I notice that the piles no longer bother me and I seem to have recovered. Thank you Dr Ganesh and team!
5 Stars
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Dr. Ganesh Ramalingam
Specialist in General Surgery
As a strong proponent of treating the patient holistically instead of just their condition, Dr Ganesh Ramalingam advises patients as to how they can manage their daily habits and diets to lead healthier lifestyles. As a consultant with G&L Surgical Clinic specialising in General Surgery, he sees many patients with conditions related to the stomach and is skilled in bariatric surgery, upper GI and hernia surgery, advanced laparoscopic surgery, endoscopies, and trauma.