Robot-Assisted Surgery

We use robot-assisted surgery to perform a wide range of procedures. It’s important to understand that robot-assisted surgery doesn’t replace your surgeon. It is a minimally invasive technology your surgeon uses to operate with exceptional precision, flexibility and vision.

As we continue innovating, additional robot-assisted surgeries will become available. Our current procedures include:

Gastrointestinal surgery

For surgeries involving your digestive organs, robotic technology provides a precise method that typically results in less pain and a more rapid recovery. If necessary, your surgeon may opt for this approach to remove part or all of your colon (colectomy), liver (hepatectomy) or pancreas (pancreatectomy). Robot-assisted surgery is also useful for complex procedures that rebuild or repair structures in your abdomen and pelvis (abdominopelvic reconstruction).

Oesophagectomy

Your oesophagus (food tube) sits in a crowded area of your chest surrounded by vital organs like your lungs, heart, trachea and spine. Because of this confined space, accuracy is critical when removing all or part of your oesophagus (oesophagectomy). It avoids damaging these nearby organs, which could create life-threatening complications. Robotic surgery provides the masterful precision and control these complex procedures require, while helping you recover more quickly and with fewer complications.

Gynecologic surgery

Using robot-assisted techniques, our surgeons can perform delicate procedures for reproductive and pelvic health conditions, like endometriosis, as well as hysterectomies (removal of the uterus) and myomectomies (removal of uterine fibroids) with greater control and smaller incisions. Frequently, they operate with team members who specialise in colorectal conditions and urology.

Head and neck surgery

Our surgeons use transoral robotic surgery (TORS) to operate on hard-to-reach areas in the back of your throat and all through your mouth. We often use it to treat head and neck cancers that are difficult to access otherwise. TORS allows our surgeons to remove tumors far back in your mouth and throat without having to make open cuts to reach them. This significantly shortens your recovery time.

We may also use TORS to treat benign (noncancerous) mouth tumors and cysts, obstructive sleep apnea and tonsillitis.

Orthopaedic surgery

Cleveland Clinic London is home to internationally recognised orthopaedic surgeons who are adept at robotic-assisted knee and hip replacements. Our leading-edge robotic systems allow our surgeons to have precise 3D modeling of your joint. This ensures we choose the right type and size of implant you need. Real-time data shows us how the implant moves so we can adjust its alignment to ensure a comfortable, natural feel. Studies show that robotic joint replacement leads to less pain during recovery and fewer complications, like implant failure.

Thoracic surgery

Our thoracic surgeons use the latest robotic technology to navigate delicate tissue and hard-to-reach areas in your lungs, chest wall, diaphragm and thymus with highly magnified 3D views. This ensures the highest level of accuracy and control. They can use this technology to remove tumors, your thymus gland (thymectomy), part of your lung (lobectomy), lymph nodes (lymphadenectomy) or repair hernias.

This minimally invasive option lets us avoid large open chest incisions, resulting in less bleeding, a quicker recovery and reduced scar tissue — and that means less pain and improved mobility after surgery.

Urologic surgery

Robotic techniques are especially helpful for urologic procedures, which are often complex and must be performed in small, confined areas of your pelvis. Our specialists mostly use robotic surgery to remove part or all of your kidney (nephrectomy), your bladder (cystectomy) or prostate (prostatectomy).

They can also use this minimally invasive technique to remove your kidney, ureter and bladder cuff (nephroureterectomy) to treat transitional cell cancer or to correct a blockage that prevents urine from traveling from your kidney to your bladder (pyeloplasty). Our team also does complex urological reconstructive procedures robotically.

Complex surgery

Cleveland Clinic London is the only private hospital in the U.K. (and one of the few in the world) to offer highly complex robot-assisted procedures involving multiple organs (multivisceral) and requiring expertise from different surgical specialties. Collaborating with our world-class cardiac consultants and a Level 3 ICU, our team of robotic surgeons can handle all complexities.

If you and your surgeon have decided that robot-assisted surgery is an appropriate option for you, here’s what to expect:

• You’ll receive anaesthesia to put you to sleep so you don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure.
• Your surgeon will make a small incision (just 8 mm).
• Through the incision, your surgeon will pass slender surgical instruments attached to a robotic arm with a camera (endoscope) and light at the tip. Then, they’ll make further incisions to allow for the insertion of three to four additional instruments.
• Your surgeon will sit at a console displaying real-time, highly magnified 3D views of the surgical area.
• Using the console controls, your surgeon will manoeuvre the camera and instruments to perform the procedure. The robot precisely mimics the movements and motions of your surgeon’s hands.
• After the operation, you’ll recover in a private area while receiving attentive nursing care.
• Following recovery, we’ll transport you back to your room in the ward.

Second Opinions for Robot-Assisted Surgery

People from all over the world seek second opinions at Cleveland Clinic London. If you’re considering surgery, our consultants can review your case. We offer expert recommendations, including whether robot-assisted surgery is appropriate for you. We often provide second opinions through virtual visits.

Paying for Robot-Assisted Surgery at Cleveland Clinic London

We offer the option to self-pay for treatment, and Cleveland Clinic London accepts most major private medical insurance plans. If you are coming to us from another country, coordination is available through our Global Patient Services (GPS).

What’s Next?

When you need surgery, there’s so much to consider. At Cleveland Clinic London, our renowned surgeons offer the latest options in advanced surgical care, including robot-assisted surgery. With unmatched accuracy, smaller incisions, less pain and a more rapid recovery, this innovative, minimally invasive approach is designed to improve outcomes and enhance your surgical experience.