Robotic-assisted surgery disclaimers
At Spire Healthcare, we use a range of robotic-assisted technologies to support surgical procedures across multiple specialties. These include systems such as da Vinci, Mako, VELYS, and Aquablation.
What is robotic-assisted surgery?
Robotic-assisted surgery does not mean surgery is carried out by a robot. Your consultant surgeon always remains in full control, using robotic-assisted technology to support planning and precision throughout your procedure.
These systems are designed to support minimally invasive techniques and enhance surgical accuracy.
Disclaimers
¹Enhanced surgical precision
Robotic-assisted systems are designed to support greater precision and control during surgery. High-definition 3D imaging and advanced instruments help your consultant carry out procedures with accuracy, particularly in delicate or complex areas of the body.
|
Device |
Evidence type |
Source summary |
|
da Vinci (Intuitive) |
Manufacturer + clinical |
High-definition 3D vision and articulated instruments improve precision and dexterity [theonesurgical.com] da Vinci systems are designed to deliver “precision, vision, and control” through integrated robotics technology [https://eu...s/original] The system provides high-definition 3D visualisation, enabling surgeons to see anatomy clearly and in detail [intuitive.com] |
|
Stryker Mako |
Manufacturer |
CT-based planning + robotic guidance improves implant positioning accuracy [stryker.com] |
|
VELYS |
Manufacturer |
VELYS™ patient information leaflet - Johnson & Johnson https://www.jnjmedtech.com/en-US/patient/velys |
²Advanced planning
Some robotic systems allow your consultant to create a surgical plan tailored to your body. Using detailed scans or real-time imaging, the procedure can be mapped in advance to match your individual anatomy.
|
Device |
Evidence type |
Source summary |
|
da Vinci |
Manufacturer and studies |
The da Vinci platform integrates advanced software, data insights and analytics to support surgical performance and decision-making [https://eu...s/original] Newer systems (e.g. da Vinci 5) provide actionable insights and data-driven capabilities to help optimise surgical performance [davincisur...munity.com] |
|
Stryker Mako |
Manufacturer + studies |
CT-based 3D modelling enables patient-specific planning [stryker.com] |
|
VELYS |
Manufacturer |
VELYS™ patient information leaflet - Johnson & Johnson https://www.jnjmedtech.com/en-US/patient/velys |
|
Aquablation (Procept) |
Manufacturer |
Image-guided planning supports patient-specific treatment [procept-bi...botics.com |
³Smaller incisions
In some procedures, robotic-assisted surgery may be carried out using smaller incisions compared with traditional open surgery. This can help reduce disruption to surrounding tissue.
Da Vinci surgery is a minimally invasive approach that may involve smaller incisions compared with traditional open surgery.
Intuitive evidence:
|
Device |
Evidence type |
Source summary |
|
da Vinci |
Manufacturer and clinical studies |
Instruments inserted through small incisions vs open surgery [my.clevela...clinic.org] Robotic-assisted surgery is described as a minimally invasive option requiring only a few small incisions [intuitive.com] The da Vinci SP system is specifically designed for single-incision or natural orifice surgery [https://eu...s/original] |
|
Robotic surgery (general) |
Peer-reviewed review |
Single-port approaches reduce surgical footprint [mdpi.com] |
|
VELYS |
Manufacturer |
VELYS™ patient information leaflet - Johnson & Johnson https://www.jnjmedtech.com/en-US/patient/velys |
⁴Recovery-focussed approach
Robotic-assisted techniques may support a smoother recovery in some patients. This can include less post-operative discomfort and a quicker return to normal activities, depending on the type of surgery.
Minimally invasive approaches, including da Vinci surgery, may support shorter recovery times and improved post-operative outcomes in some patients.
Intuitive evidence:
|
Device |
Evidence type |
Source summary |
|
da Vinci |
Manufacturer and clinical studies |
Less invasive → shorter recovery and fewer complications [my.clevela...clinic.org] Intuitive states that minimally invasive surgery can deliver benefits such as shorter recovery times and reduced complications [intuitive.com] Ongoing research programmes evaluate outcomes including recovery and healthcare utilisation following minimally invasive surgery [massdevice.com] |
|
Mako |
Manufacturer + clinical |
Reduced pain, shorter length of stay, faster recovery [stryker.com] |
|
VELYS |
Manufacturer |
VELYS™ patient information leaflet - Johnson & Johnson https://www.jnjmedtech.com/en-US/patient/velys |
⁵Reduced blood loss in some procedures
Some robotic-assisted procedures have been associated with lower blood loss. This may be due to smaller incisions or greater surgical precision, although outcomes can vary by procedure.
|
Device |
Evidence type |
Source summary |
|
da Vinci |
Manufacturer and clinical studies |
Smaller incisions linked to reduced blood loss [theonesurgical.com] A large meta-analysis cited by Intuitive found less blood loss and fewer blood transfusions compared with open surgery [intuitive.com] |
|
Mako |
Clinical/independent |
Precise bone preparation associated with lower blood loss [bumrungrad.com] |
|
VELYS |
Manufacturer |
VELYS™ patient information leaflet - Johnson & Johnson https://www.jnjmedtech.com/en-US/patient/velys |
|
Aquablation |
Real-world data |
Low transfusion rates reported in practice [urologytimes.com] |
⁶Protection of delicate structures
Enhanced visualisation and precision may help your consultant avoid or protect nearby nerves, vessels and other healthy tissue during surgery.
Intuitive evidence:
|
Device |
Evidence type |
Source summary |
|
da Vinci |
Manufacturer/clinical studies |
Enhanced visualisation helps avoid nerves and vessels [theonesurgical.com] The system provides magnified 3D high-definition visualisation of anatomy, allowing surgeons to see structures clearly [intuitive.com] da Vinci systems are designed to enhance surgeon control and dexterity through advanced instrumentation[https://eu...s/original] |
|
Mako |
Manufacturer |
Enables preservation of healthy bone and soft tissue [stryker.com] |
|
Aquablation |
Manufacturer |
Designed to remove tissue while preserving surrounding areas [aquablation.com] |
Spire Healthcare does not endorse one medical product or device over another. Robotic-assisted surgery may not be suitable for some patients. The benefits of robotic-assisted surgery can vary depending on the procedure, the technology used and individual patient factors. Your consultant will discuss the most appropriate treatment options with you.