At the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, multidisciplinary care teams from Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health provide patients with access to the latest, most advanced treatment options, including state-of-the-art robotic surgery.
In 2023, RWJUH earned two designations from Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in both Robotic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery. Many surgeons from Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health are also SRC-certified as Surgeons of Excellence, reflecting their advanced expertise and commitment to patient care.
What is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery, also known as robot-assisted surgery, is an innovative approach that allows surgical teams to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision, flexibility, and control. Guided by a surgeon at a specialized console, robotic instruments translate a surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, exact motions, often through just a few tiny incisions.
Benefits of Robotic Surgery - Why is it done?
Robotic surgery has many benefits for both patients and surgeons. For patients, it offers a minimally-invasive approach to often complex surgeries. Other benefits of robotic surgery for cancer patients include:
- Can help minimize pain
- Reduction in blood loss
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery times
For surgeons and cancer care providers, robot-assisted surgeries can provide numerous benefits as well, such as:
- Greater range of motion and dexterity
- Magnified, high-resolution imaging
- Expanded access to the surgical site
Frequently Asked Questions
How does robotic surgery work?
From a specialized console located in the operating room, surgeons direct the surgical robot’s precise movements using instruments that are smaller and more flexible than traditional surgical tools, often requiring only tiny incisions. A high-definition, 3D camera provides an enhanced view of the surgical area, giving the surgeon exceptional clarity and depth. The robot’s instruments also offer greater dexterity, with 360-degree wrist articulation that allows for movements beyond the natural range of the human hand.
Do surgeons need specialized training to do robot-assisted surgery?
Yes, surgeons must complete specialized training to perform robot-assisted procedures safely and effectively. At the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, our team has extensive experience in robotic and minimally invasive techniques.
What Conditions Can be Treated with Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery can be used to treat a wide range of conditions across both cancer care and other medical specialties. In oncology, Robotic surgery is used for most types of cancer that require surgical intervention, offering a precise and minimally invasive approach. Your oncology care team will determine the best method for treatment, but whenever minimally invasive options are appropriate, they are typically preferred. This advanced technology allows surgeons to operate with greater precision and control through small incisions, often leading to less pain and faster recovery.
Is Robotic Surgery Safe?
Yes, robotic surgery is safe, and in many cases, it poses less risk than traditional surgery due to its enhanced precision and smaller incisions. The technology allows surgeons to operate with remarkable accuracy, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Its safety and effectiveness have been demonstrated in numerous clinical trials and extensive clinical use. As a result, patients often experience fewer complications, reduced pain, and faster recovery times compared to conventional surgical approaches.
How long will it take to recover from robotic surgery?
Recovery time after robotic surgery varies depending on the condition being treated and the care provided before, during, and after your procedure. However, because robotic procedures are minimally invasive, many patients experience a faster and more comfortable recovery compared to traditional surgery. In some cases, patients are even able to go home the same day as their procedure. Your care team will provide personalized guidance based on your individual treatment and recovery plan.