How Does Robotic Surgery Differ From Laparoscopic Surgery?

Has your MedStar surgeon offered you a choice between robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery? If so, you may wonder what the difference is between the two. No matter what type of surgery you choose, you can rest assured that you are in the hands of the most experienced and skilled doctors at MedStar Franklin Square. Most patients and physicians would agree that minimally invasive surgery is preferred over traditional open surgery techniques. Patients at MedStar Franklin Square often have the choice between two minimally invasive surgery techniques: laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery. Only you and your MedStar doctor can decide which surgery is right for you. Learn more about the difference between robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery in Baltimore below.

Laparoscopic surgery

In a traditional open surgery approach, your MedStar surgeon uses a large incision to perform the surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon makes several small incisions into which they insert small surgical tools and a camera. The camera allows your surgeon to see inside your body to perform the surgery.

All minimally invasive surgery techniques have similar benefits, such as less blood loss, reduced pain, smaller scars, shorter stay in the hospital, and faster recovery times. However, there are some limitations to laparoscopic surgery, such as 2D images and tools that offer a limited range of motion, which can make it difficult for your surgeon to work in small spaces.

Robotic surgery

Robotic surgery is similar to laparoscopic surgery in that they both use small incisions, a camera, and surgical instruments. However, instead of holding and manipulating the surgical instruments during robotic surgery, your MedStar surgeon will sit at a computer console and use controls to manipulate the robot. The console allows your surgeon to view high-definition, magnified 3D images with increased accuracy and vision inside your body. Compared to traditional surgery, robotic surgery provides your surgeon with a greater range of motion and precision, which may lead to less bleeding and post-operative pain.

Learn more about robotic surgery at MedStar Health

• Robotic Surgery

• da Vinci®