How Surgeons Choose Robotic, Laparoscopic or Open Surgery

Hearing you may need surgery can be overwhelming, but with a trusted surgeon by your side, you can feel reassured that your procedure will be planned with you in mind. Depending on your condition and needs, your surgeon may recommend one of three surgical approaches:

• Robotic (robotic-assisted)  surgery

• Laparoscopic surgery

• Open surgery

The smallest incision or newest technology is not automatically the right choice for every patient. What matters most is choosing the approach that fits you and your health goals. 

What Is the Difference Between Robotic, Laparoscopic and Open Surgery? 

Robotic, laparoscopic and open surgery are all ways for a surgeon to access and operate on an area of the body. 

• Robotic surgery, also called robotic-assisted surgery, uses small incisions and specialized instruments to offer a minimally invasive approach when appropriate. The surgeon controls the instruments from a nearby console while viewing a high-definition, three-dimensional image of the surgical area. The robot does not perform the surgery independently.

• Laparoscopic surgery: The surgeon makes one or more small incisions and inserts a thin, lighted camera called a laparoscope. Images from the camera help the surgeon guide the specialized instruments and complete the procedure. 

• Open surgery: The surgeon makes a larger incision to directly see and reach the surgical area. This approach may provide the access needed for certain complex procedures, emergencies or conditions affecting a larger area.

While robotic and laparoscopic surgery are both considered minimally invasive approaches, they are not the same. Your care team will carefully consider all surgical approaches to determine which option is best for you. 

How Does a Surgeon Choose the Right Type of Surgery? 

At CommonSpirit, choosing a surgical approach is a personalized decision that you will be part of. Surgeons consider several factors when determining how your procedure will be carried out. These factors include: 

• The condition being treated: The location, size and complexity of the problem can affect how much access the surgeon needs.

• Your anatomy: The size, shape and position of organs and other structures may make robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery or open surgery more appropriate.

• Surgical history: Scar tissue or changes from an earlier procedure can affect how safely the surgeon can reach the treatment area.

• Overall health: Your health history and ability to tolerate anesthesia and recover are important parts of the decision.

• The goal of the procedure: Diagnosing a condition, removing an organ, repairing tissue, providing relief and treating a complex disease may require different techniques.

• Available technology: Robotic surgery and other specialized techniques may not be available at every hospital or surgery center.

Your surgeon will consider many, if not all, of these factors before determining your care journey. 

What Should You Discuss With Your Surgeon Before Surgery? 

You do not need to arrive at your appointment knowing which surgical approach is best. Your surgeon should explain the recommendation and help you understand what it could mean for your procedure and recovery.

Consider asking your surgeon questions about the following topics before agreeing to your next steps: 

• Why one surgical approach is recommended over another 

• The benefits and risks of each available option

• Whether the approach could change during surgery

• Your surgeon’s experience with the procedure

• How to prepare before surgery

• How long recovery may take

• When you may return to work, exercise and other activities

To get the most out of this conversation, consider taking notes or bringing a trusted family member or friend to help you remember important details and address any questions or concerns. 

How is Robotic Surgery Performed? 

During robotic surgery, the surgeon controls the instruments from a nearby console. The robotic system provides a detailed, three-dimensional view and precise instrument control, while a surgical team remains at the operating table throughout the procedure.

How is Robotic Surgery Different From  Laparoscopic or Open Surgery?

Each approach has advantages, but the right choice depends on your condition, anatomy, health and the procedure you need. Your surgeon will recommend the approach that offers the safest and most effective way to complete your surgery.

When is Open Surgery the Best Option? 

Open surgery may offer the safest and most effective way to complete certain procedures, sometimes including bowel resection, abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs and heart procedures such as a traditional valve replacement or bypass surgery. 

A surgeon may recommend an open approach when a procedure is especially complex or when wider access provides better visibility and control. Many procedures can be performed in more than one way, so your surgeon will determine which approach best fits your condition and needs.

Open surgery may also be appropriate in an emergency or when significant scar tissue is present.

Sometimes a procedure begins as robotic or laparoscopic surgery and is changed to open surgery. This does not necessarily mean something went wrong. Adjusting the approach allows the surgical team to respond to what they find and continue providing safe care.

Does Minimally Invasive Surgery Mean a Faster Recovery? 

It can. Because robotic and laparoscopic procedures generally use smaller incisions, they may offer benefits such as:

• Less pain after surgery

• Smaller scars

• A shorter hospital stay

• Faster healing

• An earlier return to certain activities

These benefits vary by patient and procedure. A smaller incision does not always mean a minor operation, and the body still needs time to heal internally.

Your recovery may also depend on your overall health, the condition being treated and whether tissue or an organ was repaired or removed. Your surgical team will explain what to expect based on your procedure rather than the size of the incision alone.

Our surgeons perform routine and complex procedures using traditional and minimally invasive surgical techniques. If you are considering surgery, talk with a specialist to review your condition and available approaches to diagnosis, treatment or relief.