Childen's Hospital Boston
International Visitorsdotted lineRequest Appointmentdotted lineDirections
 advanced search
About Us Find a Specialist Locations Careers Press Room Giving To
Clinical Services For Patients & Families For Health Professionals Research
My Child Has
or find by letter:  A-F  G-L  M-R  S-Z

Robotic Surgery

 Center for Robotic Surgery
 Email this page
 Printer Friendly
 Return to
 Cardiovascular Program
 Urology
 Surgery
 Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement
 X
Flower Frequently Asked Questions
Will a robot operate on my child?
Children's surgeon at robotic console No. The robotic technology is entirely controlled by the surgeon - it functions as an extension of the surgeon's hands. This allows a surgeon to perform complex procedures as though his hands were inside the patient, yet gives the patient the benefits of a minimally invasive procedure.

What are the benefits of robotically-assisted surgery?
The robotic equipment increases dexterity, precision, and visibility so surgeons can perform more complex procedures through tiny incisions. Benefits of minimally-invasive surgery are less pain, faster recovery, reduced hospitalization time, and less scarring.

Is the robotic surgery procedure different from open surgery?
Robotic equipment makes it possible to perform the very same surgical procedure as traditional open surgery, but through a much smaller opening.
Will the surgeon be in the operating room with my child?
Yes. During robotically-assisted surgery the surgeon sits at a console in the operating room, and another surgeon is at your child's bedside.
What if the equipment breaks or something goes wrong?
Although this is very rare, surgeons are trained in the laboratory to be able to rapidly and safely remove the robotic equipment and convert to open surgery if necessary.
Is robotic surgery experimental?
No. At Children's Hospital Boston, robotic surgery is only performed for procedures where it has been studied extensively and proven effective and more beneficial than traditional surgery. Children's surgeons are at the forefront of developing new applications for the technology, but they are not used on patients until proven safe and effective.
Is robotic surgery covered by insurance?
Yes.
Will the surgery be faster?
No. In fact, robotically-assisted surgery is longer than traditional open surgery because it takes additional time to place the instruments and equipment. However, recovery time is usually significantly shorter.

Photos ©2006 Intuitive Surgical, Inc

 X
Image
 X
Contact Us Site Map Privacy Accessibility Give Now en Español