The number of holes made during robotic surgery varies depending on the type of procedure being performed. Robotic surgery uses small incisions, often referred to as "keyhole surgery", to insert surgical instruments.
Types of Robotic Surgery and Incision Numbers
- Laparoscopic surgery: This type of surgery typically requires 3-4 small incisions, often less than 1 cm in length. These incisions allow the surgeon to insert a laparoscope (a thin, telescope-like instrument with a camera) and surgical instruments.
- Single-incision surgery: This technique uses a single, larger incision, usually in the belly button. All instruments and the laparoscope are inserted through this single incision.
- Other procedures: For some robotic surgeries, such as prostate surgery, the surgeon may use a slightly different approach with a slightly different number of incisions.
Keyhole Surgery: Minimally Invasive
Robotic surgery is often categorized as minimally invasive surgery because it uses small incisions. This can lead to several benefits:
- Less pain: Smaller incisions mean less pain and discomfort after surgery.
- Faster recovery: Patients typically recover more quickly from robotic surgery.
- Shorter hospital stay: Patients may be able to go home sooner after surgery.
- Less scarring: Smaller incisions result in less visible scarring.
In summary, the number of holes in robotic surgery depends on the specific procedure. However, robotic surgery typically involves fewer and smaller incisions than traditional open surgery, offering several advantages to patients.
