Anaesthesia for robotic surgery

SummaryRobot assisted surgeries are associated with smaller incisions, less scarring, less morbidity and a shorter hospital stay. But anaesthesiologists need to be aware of the challenges of robotic surgery and the changes in surgical technique. Longer duration of surgery, limited access, prolonged insufflation of carbon dioxide and extremes of position are some of the changes which need to be tackled with expertise to avoid complications. In addition different surgical specialities have their own requirements, from the steep Trendelenburg position in radical prostatectomy and other pelvic surgeries, to one lung ventilation and capnothorax in robotic cardiothoracic surgery. This review focuses on the anaesthetic challenges faced in robotic surgery in different surgical specialities and their management.