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Robotic Surgery Patient Guides

Everything you need to know before, during, and after robotic surgery — preparation, what to bring, questions to ask, and what to expect on the day.

✅ Quick Answer

Before robotic surgery: fast from midnight, stop blood thinners (as directed), arrange 2–4 weeks off work, have a carer for the first week. On the day: 1–4 hour surgery, 1–3 days in hospital, go home with small sticking plasters over 3–5 tiny wounds.

Before Your Robotic Surgery

1
Pre-operative assessment (1 week before): Blood tests, ECG, anaesthesia review, consent signing.
2
Medications: Stop blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel) as directed — usually 5–7 days before. Continue blood pressure and heart medications with a sip of water.
3
Fasting: No food from midnight. Clear fluids allowed until 2 hours before surgery.
4
Bowel prep: For colorectal procedures — your surgeon will prescribe a bowel prep solution the day before.
5
Arrange transport and carer: You cannot drive for 2–4 weeks post-operatively. Arrange someone to be with you for the first week at home.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

  • Am I a good candidate for robotic surgery for my specific condition?
  • How many of these procedures have you performed robotically?
  • What is your conversion-to-open rate?
  • What are the specific risks for my procedure?
  • How long will I be in hospital?
  • When can I return to work and normal activities?
  • What follow-up do I need?

What Happens on the Day

1
Admission, vital signs, IV cannula insertion, anti-DVT stockings.
2
Meeting the anaesthetist. General anaesthesia — you will be completely asleep.
3
Surgery: 1–5 hours depending on procedure. You feel nothing.
4
Recovery room: 1–2 hours. Waking up with oxygen mask, IV drip, possibly a drain.
5
Ward: walking encouraged same evening (most procedures). Liquid diet to solid within 24–48 hours.

Pain is typically mild to moderate — managed with oral paracetamol and NSAIDs. Most patients describe it as 'soreness' rather than severe pain. Robotic surgery causes significantly less pain than open surgery due to smaller incisions.

Depends on procedure: same-day (inguinal hernia, cholecystectomy), 1–2 nights (hysterectomy, colectomy), 3–5 nights (liver resection, Whipple).

Usually after 24–48 hours — once the waterproof dressings are on. Your surgeon will confirm.

For most abdominal procedures: clear fluids on day 1, soft food on day 2, normal diet by day 3–5. Bowel surgery patients advance diet more slowly.