Robotic surgery also known as robot-assisted surgery involves a surgeon using a robotic device to perform an operation. Will robots replace laparoscopic surgery? As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, it’s natural to question the role of robots in surgery. Read more
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Robotic surgery and laparoscopy are two prominent medical innovations in minimally invasive surgery that are drawing widespread attention. Although both procedures offer highly precise surgery and quick recovery compared to traditional surgical methods, there are some key differences between them.

What is robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery also known as robot-assisted surgery involves a surgeon using a robotic device to perform an operation. This device has a robotic arm that holds surgical instruments. Unlike traditional surgery, where surgeons manually operate surgical instruments, robotic surgery involves robots holding and manipulating these instruments. The surgeon sits in a control room remotely controlling the robotic arms, while viewing the procedure on a computer screen.
Procedure of robotic surgery
- Your surgeon makes a small incision or cut (typically one to two centimeters long) in your body.
- Through these openings, they insert miniature robotic instruments along with a high-definition 3D camera.
- Your surgeon sits in a control room with a large computer (console) that provides a clear and precise view of the surgery area.
- Surgeon remotely controls the robotic arms making movements and the computer translates these movements to the robots, which move exactly as the surgeon moves.
- The robot only moves based on the surgeon’s exact hand movements and your surgeon is fully in control of the entire procedure in the operating room.
Benefits of robotic surgery
- The robotic arm can move more precisely than a human hand and can rotate instruments in small spaces which would not be possible by human hand.
- Less pain, smaller scars and reduced blood loss
- Shorter hospital days
- Lower risk of infection
What is laparoscopic surgery?
During laparoscopic surgery or laparoscopy, the surgeon makes a few small cuts to insert tiny surgical tools and a camera. The camera lets the surgeon see inside your body to carry out the procedure.
Procedure of laparoscopic surgery
- Your surgeon uses a tool called laparoscope, which is a thin tubelike device with a camera at the end.
- The laparoscope is inserted through a tiny cut, about half an inch long. They might make three more tiny cuts to insert other tools for the better view of your organs.
- The camera on the laparoscope sends live images of the inside view to a monitor. So, your surgeon can see and guide their movements during the procedure.
Benefits of Laparoscopic surgery
- Less pain, smaller scars and reduced blood loss
- Shorter hospital days
- Lower risk of infection
Difference between robotic and laparoscopic surgery

Indicators | Robotic surgery | Laparoscopic surgery |
Procedure | Involves a surgeon controlling instruments from outside the patient’s body using a miniature robot body and using a 3D camera | Surgery done by hand with the help of a laparoscope and a two-dimensional camera |
Position of surgeon | The surgeon stands at the console | The surgeon stands next to the patient |
Flexibility | Highly flexible motion. It can rotate completely and move more precisely in small spaces | Limited range of motion |
Reachability | Can reach areas that are difficult to access better than higher ability to access hard-reach places | Cannot reach areas that are difficult to access |
Duration of operation time | Longer operation time | Shorter operation time |
Duration of hospital stay | Shorter hospital stays | Longer hospital stays |
Robot-assisted surgery or laparoscopy: which is better?
A recent study found that robotic surgery removed slightly more lymph nodes on average, which is important for cancer treatment. Also, it might offer benefits like shorter hospital stays but it takes longer to perform. Laparoscopic surgery has benefits like shorter operation times but were more likely to be converted to traditional open surgery during the operation. Therefore, the decision between both surgeries should consider factors like the surgeon’s experience, the hospital’s resources, and the specific needs of the patient.
Focus keywords
Robotic surgery, Laparoscopic surgery
Written by Liya Sunny
Source
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22178-robotic-surgery
- https://www.medstarhealth.org/blog/how-does-robotic-surgery-differ-from-laparoscopic-surgery
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/4819-laparoscopy
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/8/1552#:~:text=The%20findings%20of%20this%20systematic,a%20distinct%20operative%20time%20disadvantage