I receive many questions from patients or on my Facebook page about the da Vinci robot and the specifics of this type of intervention. Here are the answers to the most important of them… What exactly is a robot? Still too little is known in Bulgaria about this operating practice, although it is widely used. And at the same time, the world is moving towards robotization, and another proof of this is the Da Vinci robot. Regardless of the different modifications and models, the robot is a two-component system – the operator works with one component of this system. The operating doctor works on one component of this system, called a console, and de facto does not touch the patient, he works remotely. The console can be in the same room as the patient, or in another room, and even in another building, or another country. Can you imagine the possibilities this gives? The surgeon works with two joysticks and several pedals that transmit his movements to the robot. It looks a bit like an organist playing the organ, using both his hands and feet. Can only gynecological surgeries be performed with the robot? More and more specialties are benefiting from robotic surgery, far from just gynecology. Abdominal surgeons, urologists, heart surgeons began to use da Vinci in their work. And in fact, this is not the future, but the reality of today. The world is moving in the direction of mini-invasive surgery, perfect performance of operations, atraumatic and faster recovery of the patient. How fast is recovery after da Vinci surgery? In this type of operation, the abdominal cavity is not opened at all, so even in severe operations it is possible for the patient to leave the next day or the day after. This shortens the recovery period and hospital stay by days. In many countries, patients are discharged the very next day. I was recently in a French hospital where even after an operation like removing the uterus, which is not small, the patient leaves the same day. NEWS_MORE_BOX Da Vinci surgery or traditional surgery? The advantages of robotic surgery are for both the doctor and the patient. The doctor has a better vision, can examine and process the relevant organ in much more detail, can perform more precise movements. In practice, robot surgery results in the perfect symbiosis between man and machine. The robot mimics the movements that the surgeon makes, but also refines them. If even the slightest tremor appears in the surgeon’s hand, the robot removes it. The machine also monitors the surgeon’s eyes and if he looks away from the operation, it stops working. Among the advantages of this method is that any tremor of the hand (shaking) is not transmitted to the robot and it continues to work smoothly. Of course, all these advantages benefit the patient. What training is required to work with da Vinci? My studies were in authorized schools in Germany and Turkey. I want to emphasize that you need solid preparation before,one must start from A and B of anatomy, master open surgery very well, so that every operation can end for the benefit of the patient. And only after that comes the upgrade with robotic surgery as part of endoscopic surgery. This is my personal view on the subject of training. What cases is the da Vinci robot suitable for? The robot is the tool of choice for many operations, especially in the field of oncogynecology and urogynecology. This is due to the almost perfect precision of the movements, minimal blood loss, leading to the rapid recovery of the patient. In many countries, patients are discharged the very next day. How long does a robot surgery take? Is this method faster than traditional surgery? It depends a lot on the specific case and the diagnosis. I would say that in terms of time the two methods are comparable. Teamwork in robotic surgery is very important, so with a well-functioning team, the duration of the procedure is shorter. I am afraid of being operated on by a robot… There is fear when there is no information. Less and less patients choose open surgery. At the moment, women are very knowledgeable, read, interested and insist on this option themselves. Who can afford such an operation? Everyone has health insurance. It is very important, that’s why I repeat it to everyone with health insurance. The health insurance fund has a pathway for robotic surgery, so all those with health insurance can benefit from this clinical pathway.