How to prepare the patient for robotic surgery: before and during the operation

Robotic surgery in the treatment of gynecologic diseases continues to evolve and has become accepted over the last decade. The advantages of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery over conventional laparoscopy are three-dimensional camera vision, superior precision and dexterity with EndoWristed instruments, elimination of operator tremor, and decreased surgeon fatigue. The drawbacks of the technology are bulkiness and lack of tactile feedback. As with other surgical platforms, the limitations of robotic surgery must be understood. Patient selection and the types of surgical procedures that can be performed through the robotic surgical platform are critical to the success of robotic surgery. First, patient selection and the indication for gynecologic disease should be considered. Discussion with the patient regarding the benefits and potential risks of robotic surgery and of complications and alternative treatments is mandatory, followed by patient's signature indicating informed consent. Appropriate preoperative evaluation-including laboratory and imaging tests-and bowel cleansing should be considered depending upon the type of robotic-assisted procedure. Unlike other surgical procedures, robotic surgery is equipment-intensive and requires an appropriate surgical suite to accommodate the patient side cart, the vision system, and the surgeon's console. Surgical personnel must be properly trained with the robotics technology. Several factors must be considered to perform a successful robotic-assisted surgery: the indication and type of surgical procedure, the surgical platform, patient position and the degree of Trendelenburg, proper port placement configuration, and appropriate instrumentation. These factors that must be considered so that patients can be appropriately prepared before and during the operation are described.