Robotic surgery: the way of the future for patients and surgeons

The term “robotic surgery” can conjure up a lot of images of futuristic medicine, but Emily Watters, MD, a bariatric and general surgeon at GBMC HealthCare, wants to make one thing clear: Robots aren’t performing the surgeries.

“I put in the ports, connect the robot, and make the incisions. I’m controlling the arms of the robot. The robot simply gives me more control and precision during surgery to direct the instruments. I’m still the captain of the ship,” Dr. Watters said.

Robotic surgery has been around for more than 20 years and was initially used for prostate surgery, Dr. Watters said. Now, several disciplines utilize robotic surgery, including urology, gynecology, colorectal, and Dr. Watters’ specialties of bariatrics and general surgery. She explains both patients and surgeons benefit from robotic surgery for several reasons.

“One example is an abdominal hernia. The robot allows me to perform that surgery with only three or four small incisions, and the patient’s length of stay in the hospital is much shorter than with traditional surgery,” Dr. Watters said.

She added that, as a surgeon, robotics provide her with better visualization and an ability to manipulate the instruments 360 degrees. The surgeon is also able to sit during surgery instead of standing hunched over, so surgeons can operate for many more years because the work takes a lesser toll on the body.

Dr. Watters was first introduced to robotic surgery during her residency and quickly realized its advantage over traditional surgical methods. Dr. Watters recently took over as the Robotics Chair at GBMC, and she says they’re hoping to acquire another robot soon, as the one currently in use is in high demand.

“The technology is just getting better, and we’re starting to train all staff so we can do 24-hour robotic cases, which is important for patients who need emergency surgery for diverticulitis and hernias.”

Patient response to the robot has been incredible, said Dr. Watters, with many looking forward to the day they get to “meet the robot” in the operating room prior to their surgery. She encourages all patients needing surgery to ask their surgeon if they use robotics and to ask a lot of questions about the procedure.

“Our patients are getting cutting-edge care here with the robot,” she emphasized. “We’re well equipped to treat all our patients at GBMC."