Questions to Ask Your Surgeon About Robotic Experience
Knowing what to ask a robotic surgeon can help you feel more prepared and informed before you commit to any procedure.
If you are exploring minimally invasive surgery in Los Angeles, you may already know that robotic-assisted procedures are now offered at many facilities across the region. Before you decide on a surgeon or schedule a procedure, asking the right questions can help you feel prepared and more confident about your care.
What Robotic Surgery Involves
Robotic surgery is a method to perform surgery using very small tools attached to a robotic arm. The surgeon sits at a computer station and directs the movements of a robot. A thin tube with a camera allows the surgeon to view enlarged, three-dimensional images of the body as the surgery takes place. The robotic system then matches the surgeon's hand movements with small, precise movements of the instruments inside the body.
Procedures that once required large open incisions can sometimes be done through much smaller cuts using this approach. Robotic surgery may be used for a range of operations, including gallbladder removal, hysterectomy, prostatectomy, and kidney procedures, among others. However, robotic surgery cannot always be used or be the best method for every situation. Your surgeon decides what approach fits your case.
Like all surgery, robotic procedures carry real risks. These include reactions to medicines, breathing problems, bleeding, infection, and heart problems. Robotic surgery can also take longer to perform because of the time needed to set up the robot. No outcome is promised.
Questions to Ask About a Surgeon's Robotic Experience
Asking a surgeon directly about their training and case history is a normal part of preparing for a procedure. A good surgeon will welcome these questions. Here are several that many patients find useful:
- How many robotic procedures have you performed for my specific condition? General robotic experience is not the same as experience with the exact operation you need. Volume with your specific procedure often matters more than broad familiarity with the technology.
- What formal training did you complete on this robotic system? Surgeons typically complete structured training programs before performing robotic cases on their own. Asking about that training is reasonable.
- What is your plan if the robotic approach needs to stop mid-surgery? A well-prepared surgeon will have a clear process for switching to open or standard laparoscopic surgery if something unexpected happens.
- Is robotic surgery the right approach for my case? Not every patient or condition is suited for the robotic approach. Your surgeon should explain why they think it is or is not a good fit for you.
- Who else will be in the operating room, and what are their roles? Knowing who makes up the full surgical team and what each person does can help you understand your care.
- How often do you perform robotic procedures at the facility where my surgery would take place? Some hospitals may not have access to robotic equipment, or the team may have less experience working together on robotic cases at a particular location.
Want more information? Read our plain-language procedure guides or send an information request. We do not give medical advice.
Questions About the Facility and Recovery
The setting where surgery takes place can be just as important as the surgeon's individual experience. Consider asking these additional questions:
- Is this facility fully set up for robotic surgery? Not all surgical centers have the same equipment or support staff for robotic cases.
- What does recovery typically look like for this procedure? Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery. Your surgeon can explain what monitoring and follow-up care often look like, though individual experiences differ.
- When should I contact your office versus go to the emergency room? After any surgery, knowing when to seek urgent care matters. If you experience severe chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, or signs of a serious infection, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
How to Verify a Surgeon's License in California
Anyone considering minimally invasive surgery in Los Angeles or anywhere in California has the right to verify a surgeon's license before agreeing to care. The Medical Board of California maintains a free public license lookup at mbc.ca.gov. You can search by name to confirm that a license is active and in good standing, and to review any disciplinary actions on record. This step takes only a few minutes.
Gathering information is a reasonable part of preparing for any surgery. This article is for general education only. Your primary care doctor, your surgeon, and other members of your health care team are the right people to help you weigh your specific options. Nothing here should be taken as advice about what treatment to choose.
Frequently asked questions
- What does a surgeon's robotic experience really mean?
- It refers to how many times a surgeon has used a robotic system to perform procedures, especially for the specific operation you need. Volume with your exact procedure often matters more than general familiarity with the technology. Ask your surgeon directly about their case history.
- Can robotic surgery be used for any condition?
- No. Robotic surgery cannot always be used or be the best method for every situation. Your surgeon decides whether a robotic approach is a good fit based on your health history, anatomy, and the nature of your condition.
- What are the main risks of robotic surgery?
- Risks include reactions to medicines, breathing problems, bleeding, infection, and heart problems. Robotic surgery can also take longer to perform due to the time needed to set up the robot. No outcome is promised. Discuss your personal risk factors with your surgeon.
- How do I verify a surgeon's license in California?
- You can check a surgeon's California medical license through the Medical Board of California's public lookup tool at mbc.ca.gov. Search by name to confirm the license is active and to review any disciplinary history. The search is free.
Sources
General information only. This article is not medical advice, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. This website is informational, is not a medical practice and names no doctor. Talk to a licensed physician about your own care. In an emergency call 911.