LapaRobotic Surgery FAQs
If you’re visiting this site, you might be considering undergoing a urological procedure. And if you’re undergoing a urological procedure, you might be a candidate for LapaRobotic surgery—an extremely advanced and safe way to perform a surgical procedure.
If you’ve never heard of LapaRobotics, you probably have a lot of questions. That’s why we’re here to answer some of the most frequently asked questions we get about the technique.
Q: What exactly is LapaRobotic surgery?
A: LapaRobotic Surgery™ is the melding of two separate but related surgical techniques – laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery. Laparoscopy involves using several small incisions to perform a surgical procedure. Robotic surgery is a laparoscopic procedure, only with an added layer of technology. Dr. Scott Miller has inventively combined the added precision of robotic technology with his extensive experience in laparoscopic surgery to create an even safer and more efficient method of surgery.
Q: Am I a candidate for LapaRobotic surgery?
A: Laparoscopy and robotic surgery techniques can be used for most urological surgery procedures. There are, however, some situations that may require open surgery. After a thorough examination of your body and review of your specific test results, Dr. Miller will be able to recommend the safest approach that has the highest likelihood of a successful outcome.
Q: How experienced is Dr. Miller in performing laparoscopic and robotic procedures?
A: Surgical experience can be measured in three ways – time, total number of procedures, and current number of procedures performed each month. Since Dr. Miller started performing advanced laparoscopy in 1995 and robotic surgery in 2003 he can assess the outcomes of thousands of patients to further refine his techniques. He currently performs approximately 25 laparoscopic or robotic procedures per month. Time and time again according to numerous medical studies, experience – as measured in these three ways – has been shown as the strongest indicator of the best possible outcome.
Q: During robotic surgery, does the robot actually do the surgery?
A: Unlike science fiction movies, the surgery robot Dr. Miller uses cannot think, act or move on its own. The robot is a lifeless machine. Think of it more as a surgical puppet: the only time it can do anything is when Dr. Miller inserts his hands and fingers in the controls in order to move the instruments.
Q: What happens if the robot breaks down during surgery?
A: In the very unlikely event that the robot develops a problem during a procedure, Dr. Miller and his team have the experience and knowledge to act quickly and appropriately. Often, the issue can be determined and remedied in a matter of minutes, if not seconds. Under the contingency plans they have in place – and because all procedures are done at Northside Hospital with its multiple operating facilities – the surgery can continue using a robotic system. Because of his extensive laparoscopic experience, Dr. Miller may merely choose to complete the remainder of the procedure laparoscopically (using hand-held instruments through the same small incisions). The bottom line: backup systems, procedures and the skill of the surgical team are all in place to ensure that you have the safest experience possible.
Q: What are the benefits of LapaRobotic Surgery?
A: LapaRobotic procedures have been associated with less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications.
Still have some unanswered questions? We’re happy to answer any lingering concerns you may have. Feel free to call us at (404)-705-5201 or make an appointment with Dr. Miller at his office on Peachtree Dunwoody Road. We look forward to hearing from you!
