Published on 08 July 2026
You may be looking forward eventually to having your home cleaned by a robot or perhaps going out for a trip in a driverless car.
On the other hand, you might be thinking twice about have surgery involving robotics.
Don’t worry – advanced surgical robotics have major benefits and the surgeon is still firmly in charge.
What’s in a name?
It is important to recognise that the term robotic-assisted is more appropriate than the term robotic.
Let’s dispel some myths.
Myth 1: The robot performs surgery on its own.
The surgeon is always in charge but the way surgery is conducted depends on the type of robot. Some robots enable the surgeon to remotely use tiny instruments with great precision. Then there are the mechanical arm type robots which assist in determining the position and angles of cuts performed by the surgeon with conventional surgical instruments.
Myth 2: Robotic-assisted surgery makes recovery almost instant.
The precision of advanced surgery means that excellent results are consistently achieved but recovery can still take a little while.
Myth 3: Robotic surgery is completely different from traditional techniques.
While robotic-assisted surgery brings different aspects to procedures, and the surgeon’s tools are different, the work and the goals remain broadly the same.
Myth 4: Robotic-assisted surgery involves a one-size-fits-all approach.
This is completely wrong as the procedure is tailored exactly to the individual patient. Everyone’s anatomy is slightly different and the robotic technology enables bespoke results to be achieved, substantially improving post-procedure recovery.
Myth 5: Robotic-assisted surgery has very limited use.
This is not true as the advanced technology is adopted widely. At Benenden Hospital it is used for partial and complete knee replacement, and for a minimally invasive prostate procedure.
Myth 6: AI will take over robotic surgery.
It is expected AI will increasingly provide more useful information for the surgeon but it certainly will not take command.
What is ROSA partial knee surgery?
Robotic-assisted ROSA partial knee surgery, developed by Zimmer Biomet, helps your surgeon at Benenden Hospital perform your partial knee correction surgery with greater accuracy. The system allows precise adjustments and means you can return to your usual activities as quickly as possible.
What is the ROSA system for total knee replacement?
This robotic-assisted surgery is for complete knee replacement and uses a robotic arm to help the Benenden Hospital surgeon to position your new implant.
What robotic-assisted procedure is used at Benenden Hospital for enlarged prostate?
Aquablation treatment is used at Benenden Hospital and is a minimally invasive robotic-assisted procedure welcomed by men who have an enlarged prostate. In the procedure high velocity water jets remove excess prostate tissue.