Robotic bariatric surgery: Benefits, recovery and what to expect

Overview: Considering weight loss surgery? Discover the benefits of robotic-assisted bariatric surgery, including less pain, reduced scarring and quicker recovery. 

If you've ever struggled with losing weight or maintaining a healthy body weight, you’re not alone. For some individuals, weight loss surgery may be an effective option to improve overall health and quality of life. The good news? This surgery has become even less invasive using robotic surgery.

Bariatric surgery is typically recommended for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher and/or those who are 100 pounds or more overweight, especially when other weight-loss efforts haven't provided lasting results.  Your health care provider can help you decide whether bariatric surgery is right for you.

What is robotic bariatric surgery?

Robotic bariatric surgery is a minimally invasive approach where your surgeon uses a computer-enhanced system to perform your procedure with exceptional precision. Robotic bariatric surgery works by translating your surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, more exact movements.

How does a robot perform surgery?

Although it’s called “robotic surgery,” your surgeon is the one in control throughout the surgery. Using an advanced robotic-assisted surgical system, the surgeon guides specialized instruments designed to provide greater precision and flexibility than the human hand alone. These tiny wristed instruments can bend and rotate with enhanced range of motion, while a high-definition 3D camera gives the surgeon a magnified view of the surgical area. Surgeons who perform robotic-assisted procedures receive specialized training and certification, helping to ensure safe, advanced care. 

What are the benefits of robotic surgery?

Robotic-assisted bariatric surgery offers several benefits that may support a smoother recovery and better patient experience, such as:

• Less pain after surgery.
• Smaller incisions and reduced scarring.
• Less blood loss during the procedure.
• Shorter hospital stays.
• A quicker return to everyday activities.

Is robotic bariatric surgery safe?

Yes, robotic bariatric surgery is considered a safe and effective approach for performing weight loss procedures, such as gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery. Remember: The robotic system doesn't operate independently! A trained, certified surgeon is performing the surgery with the help of a robot.

How does robotics differ from other weight loss surgery methods?

Another common weight loss surgery method is laparoscopic surgery. Both robotic and laparoscopic are minimally invasive procedures performed in an operating room while under general anesthesia. However, there are a few main differences:

• Range of motion: A robotic system offers the surgeon more range of motion with rotating “wrists.” While the equipment used in laparoscopic surgery involves straight, usually stainless steel, surgical instruments that are not wristed like the robotic system.
• 2D view vs. 3D view: Laparoscopic surgery is performed by hand and with the use of a surgical instrument and laparoscope that’s a thin telescope with a video camera. This offers the surgeon a 2D view on a screen during surgery. The 3D view of the robotic system’s camera magnifies the surgeon’s view by 10 times for more precise incisions.
• Recovery time: Robotic surgery typically offers you a shorter recovery time and can provide more stability for complex cases compared to conventional laparoscopy. 

What type of bariatric surgeries are performed with robotics?

Robotic gastric sleeve

During a gastric sleeve procedure, your surgeon removes approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow, banana-shaped sleeve. This smaller stomach limits the amount of food you can eat at one time, helping you feel full sooner. Because the procedure also affects hormones involved in hunger and metabolism, many patients experience reduced appetite and significant weight loss.

Robotic gastric bypass

Like gastric sleeve surgery, this procedure reduces your stomach size, but it also reroutes your small intestine to decrease food absorption. This surgery will reduce the amount of food your stomach can hold, so you’ll have decreased hunger and feel full more quickly. Just like gastric sleeve, by changing the way food passes through your body, hormones affecting your metabolism and weight may change.

Who is a good candidate for robotic bariatric surgery?

Good candidates typically include those with a BMI greater than 35 or those who are 100 pounds overweight, especially if they have obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea or hypertension, and have not achieved success with other weight loss solutions.

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If you’re considering surgery, your provider will evaluate your overall health, prior abdominal surgeries and goals to decide whether robotic bariatric surgery, including options like robotic gastric bypass surgery or a robotic sleeve, is right for you.

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Robotic bariatric surgery can be life-changing

After recovering from surgery, your provider will help you make lifestyle changes with diet and exercise to help you maintain a healthy weight. Bariatric surgery not only helps you reduce your weight, but it also improves or eliminates many obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, pulmonary disease and heart disease. If you think you’re a good candidate for weight loss surgery, ask your provider about robotic bariatric surgery and whether robotic bariatric surgery is right for you.

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This blog was reviewed by a MercyOne provider.