In the early 1990s, pioneering general surgeons began to perform various abdominal procedures using tiny incisions in the abdomen with similarly small, miniaturized surgical devices. Using a camera to scope out the interior of the abdomen, surgeons could now perform procedures minimally invasively versus requiring this single large incision of just a few years prior. Many of the most severe complications of open surgery, including hernias, infection and long recovery times were minimized significantly. This was known as laparoscopy and for the next 20 years it would be the dominant technique in surgery.

A novel approach to surgery was once again developed in the form of robotically assisted surgery. We, as general surgeons, had an excellent, tried and true option in the form of traditional laparoscopy, but as the surgical robot was improved and refined, it became clear that very complex procedures (that would have otherwise needed open surgery) could now be performed laparoscopically. Our dexterity within the abdomen was improved significantly, visualization of the surgical field increased dramatically and the fatigue experienced by surgeons performing multiple procedures a day was significantly reduced by an ergonomic console.

In short, robotically assisted bariatric and general surgery has revolutionized surgery, improving it in many ways. This is not to say the traditional laparoscopy no longer has a place. For many procedures, there is no appreciable difference between a robotically assisted and traditional laparoscopy. However, having the option to perform it robotically is beneficial to surgeon and patient alike.

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