Anesthesia in Robotic Surgery

Laparoscopic robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that offers advantages not only to the patient but also to the surgeon and can be considered as the evolution of traditional laparoscopic surgery. Anesthesiologist, surgeons and operatory room staff must be aware of the clinical and logistical implications that come with robotic setting. Pneumoperitoneum and “extreme positioning” often required for robotic surgery determine specific pathophysiological alterations that have to be managed during anesthesia and surgery, carrying the risk of specific intra and postoperative complications. Robotic setting requires dedicated operatory room and qualified personnel trained to work in this specific surgery. At last, correct patient positioning is of particular importance in robotic surgery as most of the intraoperative complications come from inadequate patient set-up.