Robotic Surgery

When you need robotic surgery, you want leaders in the field. Our surgeons are among the most experienced robotic surgery specialists in the country.

Why choose UCLA Health for robotic surgery?

At UCLA Health’s robotic surgery program, we want you to have the best possible surgery and recovery. Our robotic surgery team, which includes experienced surgeons and highly specialized staff, provides world-class care. We pay special attention to managing your recovery process and getting you back to your daily activities.

Experienced leaders in the field: We do more robotic surgeries than most other medical centers in the nation. Skilled specialists also lead simulation trainings and educational programs at UCLA Health for doctors around the country. Our vast experience allows you to have an exceptional treatment experience.

Advanced technology: We use robotic surgery to do complex and life-saving surgeries. The 3D camera and magnification allows the surgeon to visualize the anatomy of the operation better. Your surgeon fully controls the robotic tools, which allows for greater precision and access to hard-to-reach places.. Our focus on safety and quality means you can rest assured you’re in good hands.

Faster recovery: Robotic surgery can make a huge difference in your healing process. This advanced technique involves small, minimally invasive incisions that mean you recover faster and with less pain allowing the most comfortable experience possible, so you can focus on a smooth recovery.

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery (robot-assisted surgery) is a highly precise and minimally invasive surgical technique. Unlike traditional (open) surgery, minimally invasive surgery uses a few small incisions with the advantage of less pain and faster recovery versus one large incision with typically delayed recovery and more pain.

The da Vinci® robot: How does robotic surgery work?

We use state-of-the-art technology called the da Vinci® surgical system. This system includes a console (set of controls), specialized surgical tools and a high-definition camera.

The camera shows your surgeon a clear, three-dimensional view of the area of operation. The image is magnified to 10 times what the human eye can see. Your surgeon uses the console and images from the camera to guide and control the tools during your procedure.

For every movement your surgeon makes at the console, the da Vinci robot replicates it inside your body on a smaller scale. Your surgeon has complete control during the entire procedure.

Benefits of robot-assisted surgery

Using the robotic surgical system, your surgeon has extremely precise tools and enhanced imaging. The tools have more stability and a better range of motion than your surgeon would have alone.

The small size of the tools allows your surgeon to make smaller incisions. It also reduces the amount of trauma to tissues in your body.

Robot-assisted surgeries lead to:

Shorter hospitalization time after your surgery
Faster recovery and return to your daily activities and work
Less blood loss and fewer blood transfusions
Less pain and scarring
Reduced risk of infection and wound healing problems

Proactive pain management

Robotic surgery offers a reduction in pain levels after surgery because of smaller incisions and less trauma to the tissues and plays an important role in our emphasis on proactive pain management. We understand that surgery may feel overwhelming and scary. As part of your preoperative screening evaluation, our team talks with you about the procedure and your concerns to help you understand what to expect during and after surgery.

We also provide you with pain management expertise while you’re at the hospital and when you return home. As part of our comprehensive proactive pain management plan, robotic surgery is a major component to minimize post surgical pain.

Robotic surgeries we offer

Our expert team at UCLA Health successfully treats many conditions using robot-assisted surgery. This technology offers unparalleled outcomes for surgical procedures such as:

Colorectal surgery
Endometriosis surgery
General surgery
Gynecological surgery
Head and neck surgery
Heart surgery
Thoracic (chest) surgery
Urologic surgery (for cancers of the urinary system)

Collaborative approach to cancer treatment

Our specialists provide coordinated care and highly skilled expertise to treat cancer using robotic surgery. A multidisciplinary team of experts works together and with you to make the best possible decisions about your cancer care. We understand how important it is for you to be informed and prepared for surgery.

The robotic approach when applied to your cancer surgery may provide improved efficiency in completing your multidisciplinary treatment plan. Faster recovery and fewer complications associated with robotic surgery means that the next phase of your cancer care can begin in a timely manner when its most effective.

Robotic surgery research for better outcomes

We constantly search for ways to improve robotic surgery techniques so that you receive the safest and most advanced care. A number of our providers are leaders in robotic surgery research for better outcomes. Learn more about robotic surgery research at UCLA Health’s Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology.

Our expert team

Your care team during robotic surgery includes highly experienced surgeons, nursing and operating room staff, and anesthesiologists. We perform robotic surgeries every day with the extensive experience to achieve safe, successful outcomes.

Our team members work closely together, so you receive seamless and coordinated care. We're with you every step of the way, from consultation through recovery.