Robot

Folks,

Are there any benefits to having a robot used in performing a sleeve?

I know my surgeon used one on me and the hospital hyped it but I really don't know what the benefits are if any.

I would say no.  Robotic surgery has not been evaluated in bariatrics extensively.  It is a fairly straight forward procedure using standard laparoscopic instruments and I would not think there would be any benefit using the robot.  At least at this point.

I had mine done with the Davinci robot.  I was told that it is more precise, giving the surgeon a better view.  He took his time and stitched over the staple line...not sure if that matters much or not, but it did help my sanity knowing that he took a little extra precaution. 

On the downside, I had one extra incision than I would have had.  I also had to have two IVs for the anesthesiologist to have access due to the size of the machine.  No big deal, though!

I was very awake (and anxious) when I was wheeled in the OR and got to see the machine.  It was pretty amazing!  I've watched the same type of surgery on youtube and it's amazing what surgeons can do with this technology. 

Not from my understanding. Some doctors and hospitals charge extra for it and many insurance plans don't cover the extra fee since it was part of their technique not a tool they had to have to perform the surgery. So if you have an option to have this with robot or without, ask your doctor about additional costs. If that would even be an issue for you. Not all doctors charge an additional fee for it, but it does happen.

I'd want to know EXACTLY how many robotic procedures your surgeon had done and how the stats compared with the say the past 3 years or so of his procedures -- and then find out how long he trained, etc. 

Robotics are the future of many types of surgeries, but I want to make sure that whoever is driving has a an excellent driving record!

I had robotic assisted WLS 18 months ago in Maine.  Dr. Toder has actually trained bariatric and other surgeons around the country and the world.  I don't know if the robot made a difference in my surgery, though it went very well.  The noted advantages are:

-a shorter surgery time, so risk of problems decreases, and it cuts down on surgeon's fatigue

-the surgeon has 360 degree range of motion, instead of 180 degree

-the surgeon has 3D, instead of 2D visual

Again, I don't know if my surgery went any better than it would have without the robot.