Learn Robotic Surgery fundamentals, types, and core definitions explained by multidisciplinary Robotic Surgery teams.

Robotic Surgery: The Blueprint for Surgical Success

In traditional surgery, the surgeon often makes key decisions during the operation, reacting to what they see after the incision is made. In Robotic Surgery at Liv Hospital, we operate differently. We believe that 90% of the surgery should be finished before you ever enter the operating room.

Using advanced digital mapping, 3D simulation, and artificial intelligence, we create a “Digital Twin” of your anatomy. We know exactly where your tumor ends and your nerves begin. We know the exact size of the artificial knee implant you need down to the millimeter. We know the precise trajectory for every screw in your spine.

This phase Evaluation Before Treatment is what separates a standard procedure from a robotic masterpiece. It turns surgery from a moment of uncertainty into a calculated, predictable event. For our international patients, this rigorous planning also ensures that your trip is smooth, with no surprises and a guaranteed “Fit to Fly” date.

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

The "Go/No-Go" Decision

Robotic surgery is a powerful tool, but it is not the right tool for every patient. Before we schedule a procedure, your case is reviewed by a specialized council to confirm that robotics offers you a clear advantage over standard methods.

  • The Tumor Board (Oncology): For prostate, kidney, or colorectal cancer. The Urologist, Medical Oncologist, and Radiologist review your scans. They ask: Can the robot remove this tumor completely? Is the tumor too large for a keyhole incision?
  • The Orthopedic Council: For joint replacement. We assess if your bone quality is strong enough for a robotic implant. If you have severe osteoporosis, we may optimize your bone density first.
  • The Spine Board: For scoliosis or fusion. We evaluate if the robotic trajectory can safely navigate your specific spinal curvature without touching the nerves.

Advanced Imaging

Standard X-rays are 2D shadows. Robotic surgery requires a 3D roadmap. Depending on your procedure, you will undergo specialized high-definition imaging.

Icon LIV Hospital

For Da Vinci Surgery (Soft Tissue)

75980 1 LIV Hospital
  • Multiparametric MRI (3 Tesla): For prostate cancer. This scan shows us the cancer’s location relative to the neurovascular bundle (the nerves that control erections). We load these images onto the surgeon’s console so they can see the “danger zones” in real-time during surgery.
  • CT Angiography with 3D Reconstruction: For kidney tumors. We build a colored 3D model of your kidney’s blood vessels. The surgeon studies this map to know exactly which artery to clamp, minimizing blood loss and ischemic time.
Icon 1 LIV Hospital

For Mako Surgery (Joint Replacement)

46387 1 LIV Hospital
  • CT-Based Modeling: This is unique to Mako. You will undergo a CT scan of your hip, knee, and ankle. The Mako software converts this into a 3D Virtual Model of your leg.
  • The Virtual Surgery: Days before your actual surgery, the surgeon performs the operation on this computer model. They size the implant, rotate it, and balance the ligaments virtually. If a size 4 implant is too tight, they switch to a size 3 all on the computer, before touching your bone.

For Mazor Surgery (Spine)

Pre-Op Analytics: We take a CT scan of your spine. The Mazor software calculates the optimal width and length of every screw needed. It plans a trajectory that maximizes hold strength while avoiding the spinal cord.

cancer

30 Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical

Book a Free Certified Online
Doctor Consultation

Clinics/branches
Asst. Prof. MD. Yusuf Emre Altundal Robotic Surgery
Group 346 LIV Hospital

Reviews from 9,651

4,9

Was this article helpful?

Was this article helpful?

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors
img 1 LIV Hospital

Medical Optimization

Surgery is a marathon for your body. You wouldn’t run a marathon without training; you shouldn’t have surgery without “Pre-Habilitation.”

The ERAS Protocol (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery)

We start the recovery process before the surgery begins.

  • Carbohydrate Loading: Instead of fasting for 12 hours and starving your body, we give you a special carbohydrate-rich drink 2 hours before surgery. This keeps your energy reserves high and reduces insulin resistance after surgery.
  • Anemia Management: If your blood count is low, we treat it with Iron Infusions or Erythropoietin weeks before surgery. This ensures you have plenty of oxygen-carrying capacity and avoids blood transfusions.
  • Smoking Cessation: We require you to stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery. Smoking constricts blood vessels and dramatically increases the risk of wound infection and pneumonia.

Anesthesia Evaluation

Robotic surgery requires specific positioning.

  • Trendelenburg Tolerance: For prostate or gynecologic surgery, you are tilted head-down (feet up) for 1–2 hours. This puts pressure on the heart and lungs. Our anesthesiologists check your heart function (Echo) and lung capacity (Spirometry) to ensure you can tolerate this position safely.
CANCER scaled LIV Hospital
cancer

Logistics for International Patients

14488 1 LIV Hospital

We respect that you are traveling for care. Our evaluation process is streamlined to minimize your stay in Istanbul.

Step 1: Virtual Consultation (From Home)

Before you book a flight, you send us your local medical reports and scans (via our secure portal).

  • The Review: Our surgeons review your data to confirm you are a candidate.
  • The Quote: We provide a fixed-price package that includes the robotic surcharge, hospital stay, and VIP transfer.

Step 2: Arrival and “One-Stop” Testing (Day 1)

When you arrive at Liv Hospital, you don’t wait in lines. You go directly to our Pre-Op Assessment Center.

Managing Anxiety

4749 2 LIV Hospital

Fear often comes from the unknown. We replace fear with familiarity.

  • Meet the Robot: We often take patients to see the Da Vinci or Mako robot before surgery (if the OR schedule permits). Seeing the technology up close often reassures patients that it is a tool of precision, not a scary machine.

The Patient Navigator: You are assigned a dedicated English-speaking guide who stays with you through every test and appointment. They translate not just the language, but the medical jargon, ensuring you understand exactly what will happen.

30 Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical

Book a Free Certified Online
Doctor Consultation

Clinics/branches

Was this article helpful?

Was this article helpful?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need to stop my medications before robotic surgery?

It depends.

  • Blood Thinners (Aspirin, Warfarin, Plavix): Usually must be stopped 5–7 days before surgery to prevent bleeding. We may switch you to short-acting injections (Heparin).
  • Diabetes Meds: You typically skip your morning dose on the day of surgery.

Blood Pressure Meds: We often ask you to take these with a sip of water on the morning of surgery to keep your pressure stable. Always follow the specific written instructions given by our anesthesia team.

It depends on the metal. Most modern joint replacements and stents are MRI-safe. However, if you have an old pacemaker or shrapnel, you cannot have an MRI. In these cases, we use a high-resolution CT scan for surgical planning instead.

Safety is our #1 priority. If your pre-op heart check reveals an arrhythmia, or your chest X-ray shows an infection, we will postpone the surgery. We will refer you to our Cardiology or Pulmonology department to treat the issue first. We will never rush you into surgery if it is unsafe.

X-rays are 2D pictures. The Mako robot needs a 3D volume to function. The CT scan allows the robot to “see” the shape of your bone in three dimensions. Without the CT scan, we cannot load your anatomy into the robot, and we cannot perform a Mako procedure.

Yes. The drink is formulated to have a low glycemic impact while providing essential fuel. However, for patients with severe Type 1 diabetes or Gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying), we adjust the protocol. Our nutritionists will review your specific case.

Spine Hospital of Louisiana

Let's Talk About Your Health

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.

Let's Talk About Your Health

Let's Talk About Your Health

Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.

Let's Talk About Your Health

How helpful was it?

helpful
helpful
helpful
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)