With robotic surgery, the healthcare field has changed completely due to the fact that a surgeon can now conduct complex surgeries with more accuracy, dexterity, and control. Thanks to robotic technology, surgeons can make smaller incisions and see the area under surgery in high definition and magnification. Therefore, many international patients prefer to go abroad in order to find an experienced surgeon, cutting-edge technology, affordable prices, and medical tourism support.
If you think of the best destination for robotic surgery, then the best destination depends on the required procedure, surgeon’s experience, hospital facilities, treatment cost and the patient’s medical condition.
What Is Robotic Surgery?
Robotically-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where the doctor utilizes a robotic system during the surgery. This robotic system does not make any decisions or perform surgery on its own. In essence, the robotic system converts the hand movements of the surgeon into movements of surgical instruments with utmost precision. In addition, it gives enhanced visualization of the surgical site using magnified three-dimensional vision. It is up to the skilled doctors to decide whether the patient is eligible for robotic surgery because it is not the best option in every medical situation.
Which Procedures Can Be Performed Using Robotic Surgery?
There are many surgical procedures that are conducted robotically. They include:
- Urology – prostatectomy and kidney surgery
- Gynecology – hysterectomy and fibroid surgery
- Oncology – selected cancer surgeries
- Cardiac care – certain heart surgeries
- Gastrointestinal surgeries – colorectal surgery and bariatric surgery
- Thoracic surgery – selected lung and chest surgeries
There are certain surgical procedures that cannot be performed robotically. There will be an expert doctor who examines medical files and health conditions of the patient and determines whether robotic surgery is the best procedure for the patient.
Benefits of Robotic Surgery for International Patients
Higher Level of Precision in Surgical Procedures
The use of robots enables greater surgeon control and, therefore, more precise surgical motions which can be especially helpful during surgeries involving difficult-to-reach anatomical parts.
Small Incision
Some robot-assisted surgical procedures are performed using small incisions instead of large surgical incisions, hence being a minimally invasive method.
Postentially Shorter Hospitalization Period
As robot-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive procedure in many cases, some patients may spend less time in the hospital than those undergoing open surgery.
Reduced Blood Loss and Scarring
Due to smaller incisions, patients undergoing robot-assisted surgery may experience less blood loss and scarring.
Faster Return to Normal Activities
There is evidence that some patients recovering from robot-assisted surgeries recover faster and are able to return to daily activities than those recovering from conventional open surgery.
Note:
Individual recovery and results of robot-assisted surgery depend on each patient’s medical condition, surgery type and other aspects.
Best Countries for Robotic Surgery
Every patient may find his/her own ideal country for robotic surgery abroad. The expertise of the surgeons, hospital accreditation, robotic technology used by the facility, treatment prices, and numerous other considerations can all be utilized to determine which country is the best.
United States
The US is the country where robotic surgery programs, experienced specialist surgeons and advanced robotic technology are available. The US is usually considered the best place for complicated surgeries; however, the cost of the treatment is one of the highest all around the world.
Germany
Germany is the country with its well-developed health care system, internationally accredited hospitals and clinical standards. German health care is one of the most advanced ones all around Europe, and the patients often choose it for their surgeries.
Japan
Japan provides the patients with advanced healthcare technology and precise medical care. In many Japanese hospitals, the advanced robotic technology is used for selected specialties only.
South Korea
South Korea is one of the most developed countries for robotic surgery abroad thanks to the advanced hospitals, skilled surgeons and patient-friendly services.
Turkey
Turkish medical tourism has become internationally acknowledged as the provider of robotic-assisted surgery in modern private hospitals that offer competitive treatment programs. The facilities offer services specifically for foreign clients, such as multilingual support.
UAE
The UAE provides internationally available hospitals with advanced medical equipment, multilingual patient representatives and high-class healthcare facilities. It is very convenient for the patients from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
What Is the Price of Robotic Surgery?
The price of robotic surgery is different and depends on a number of aspects. Among them are the country where the surgery will be performed, the hospital, the complexity of the surgery, the surgeon’s experience, the robotic equipment, preliminary investigations, hospitalization, anesthesia, medications, recovery and travel expenses.
It is necessary to evaluate not just the price of the treatment but the quality of the whole process as well.
| Destination | General Cost Level | Key Consideration |
| United States | High | Advanced complex care |
| Germany | High | European specialist care |
| Japan | High | Advanced medical technology |
| South Korea | Moderate–High | Technology and international support |
| Turkey | Moderate | Competitive treatment packages |
| UAE | Moderate–High | Accessibility and premium hospitals |
Because treatment costs vary from one hospital to another as well as for individual patients, it is wise to ask for a personalized cost estimate prior to making travel arrangements.
Recovery After Robotic Surgery
The recovery period after robotic surgery depends on the type of procedure done and the general health condition of the patient. The patient needs to stay at the hospital from a day up to a few days depending on the surgical procedure carried out. Patients visiting from abroad are recommended to stay in the destination country for further assessments before traveling back home. It is best that patients do not plan air travel unless they get a doctor’s permission from the surgeon performing the surgery. The post-surgery recovery guidelines usually entail wound care, medication to take, activity restrictions, and appointments.
How to Select the Best Country and Hospital
The choice of the right hospital is just as important as that of the destination country. The patient should:
- Ensure that the doctor is experienced in performing the particular procedure robotically.
- Inquire about the certification and the clinical setup of the hospital.
- Find out how often the procedure is done.
- Ask for an estimate of cost involved in the treatment.
- Learn about the hospital stay required and the recovery time needed.
- Verify availability of language facility and visa help and other services for international patients.
- Learn how the follow-up care will be arranged once they return home.
Planning carefully helps patients make informed decisions about their treatment choices.
How Emerge Medical Travel Can Help International Patients
Emerge Medical Travel provides assistance to international patients during every step of the treatment journey. They help patients evaluate their medical reports, find the right country and hospital for treatment, book appointments with specialists and help with treatment estimates. Patients get help with obtaining medical visa, travel, accommodation, transportation from the airport and hospital as well as follow-up after the treatment.
Conclusion
The overseas robotic surgery allows the foreign patients to get access to state-of-the-art equipment, skilled surgeons and quality hospitals. But choosing the destination country should always be made according to the patient’s condition, type of the procedure, skill set of the surgeon and overall cost.
Considering robotic surgery abroad? Share your medical reports with Emerge Medical Travel to compare suitable specialists, hospitals, destination countries and estimated treatment costs.
