The Rise of Robotic Surgery

Introduction

Robotic surgery is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s rapidly becoming standard across major hospitals. For perioperative nurses (scrub/scout, anaesthetics, PACU), the shift brings new competencies and workflow changes.

Why Robotic Surgery Matters

Hospitals with robotic systems report:

• Reduced blood loss

• Faster recovery times

• Fewer complications

• Higher surgical precision

This increases demand for highly trained perioperative nurses.

Key Skills Theatre Nurses Need

1. Equipment Familiarity
   – Docking/undocking
   – Instrument calibration
   – Troubleshooting system alerts

2. Understanding Robotic Anatomy
   – Port placement variations
   – Camera navigation
   – Robotic limitations

3. Enhanced Sterile Field Awareness
   – Larger robotic arms require wider sterile zones
   – Instruments are bulkier and more delicate

4. Team Synchronisation
   – Robotic surgery requires more communication
   – Longer setup and turnover times

5. Anaesthetic Considerations
   – Trendelenburg management
   – Airway pressure monitoring
   – CO₂ insufflation effects

PACU-Specific Considerations

• Airway oedema risk

• Shoulder pain from insufflation

• Orthostatic hypotension

• Post-op nausea and vomiting (higher incidence)

Robotic surgery is expanding fast. Theatre nurses who upskill now position themselves for premium roles and specialty demand.