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General FAQ

Robotic Surgery and Safety

Robotic surgery is an advanced minimally invasive surgical approach that allows highly precise movements and stable visualisation of anatomical structures. For patients, this precision supports careful dissection, accurate reconstruction and reduced surgical trauma. The objective is not the technology itself, but consistent execution, enhanced safety, fewer complications and a predictable recovery.

Yes. Robotic surgery is a well established surgical modality used worldwide. At Geneva Surgery, the robotic platform is used as the standard approach and is fully integrated into routine clinical practice, including elective benign, oncological and emergency procedures. Safety is grounded in surgical experience, team organisation and structured perioperative care.

Surgical strategy is individualised. When minimally invasive robotic surgery offers clear advantages in terms of precision, safety and recovery, it is used as the primary approach. In situations where another strategy is more appropriate, this is discussed transparently with the patient.

Yes. Emergency situations are managed according to the same principles as elective surgery. Urgency modifies timing, not standards. Robotic surgery is routinely available on a 24/7 basis and is integrated into emergency care whenever it provides a clear benefit.

Pain Management and Recovery

Some discomfort after surgery is expected. Pain management is anticipated and planned in advance. At Geneva Surgery, the objective is effective pain control without routine use of opioids, supporting early mobilisation and recovery. Most patients experience manageable pain levels that improve rapidly.

The standard approach is opioid-free pain management. Pain control relies on proactive strategies designed to avoid opioid-related side effects. Opioids are reserved for exceptional rescue situations only.

Hospital stay is not determined by a fixed number of days. Patients remain hospitalised until predefined recovery criteria are achieved. These include effective pain control without routine opioids, independent walking, adequate oral intake and return of bowel function. This approach ensures a safe and predictable transition home.

Walking is encouraged within the first hours after surgery, as soon as it is safe to do so. Oral intake of fluids and food is also encouraged early after surgery, according to tolerance. Return to daily activities is guided individually, based on the type of surgery performed and the pace of recovery. Clear instructions are provided during hospital stay and follow-up.

Consultation and Decision-Making

The first consultation is dedicated to understanding your medical situation, symptoms and expectations. A clinical examination is performed, and imaging as well as previous medical information are reviewed in detail. Time is taken to discuss the diagnosis, possible treatment options and their implications in a clear and structured manner.

Yes. All patients have an in-person preoperative consultation with the anaesthesiologist who will be responsible for anaesthetic care throughout the entire surgical journey. In our practice, the anaesthesiologist remains involved as part of a dedicated surgeon–anaesthesiologist team during the postoperative period. This consultation focuses on medical assessment, optimisation when needed and detailed perioperative planning, as well as organisational aspects to ensure a smooth surgical course.

Decisions are made following an objective and structured consultation. The role of the surgeon is to analyse the situation, explain risks and options clearly, and support patients in making informed choices aligned with their individual priorities.

No. Not all conditions require surgery. Conservative treatment options are discussed whenever appropriate. Surgery is proposed only when it is expected to provide a meaningful benefit in terms of function, safety or long-term outcome.

ERAS and Prehabilitation

ERAS stands for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery. It is a modern, structured approach to surgical care designed to optimise every stage of the perioperative pathway in order to promote a faster, safer and more predictable recovery. ERAS is based on scientifically validated principles and is widely endorsed by international surgical and anaesthetic societies.

Prehabilitation refers to the phase of preparation before surgery. Its objective is to improve a patient’s physical, nutritional and functional capacity in order to approach surgery in the best possible condition. At Geneva Surgery, prehabilitation is conceived in the same way an elite athlete prepares for a race, with the race being the day of surgery. No athlete presents at the starting line without preparation.

Surgery represents a significant physiological stress. A prepared body responds more effectively. Prehabilitation improves tolerance to surgery, reduces the risk of complications and facilitates a faster and more controlled recovery. This approach is often described as a marginal gains strategy, where multiple small improvements combine to produce a meaningful overall benefit.

Prehabilitation combines tailored physical activity focused on mobility, breathing and functional capacity, nutritional optimisation including immunonutrition when indicated, individualised medical assessment and optimisation, and clear information allowing patients to become active participants in their own care. Each element contributes meaningfully to the global result.

Within the ERAS framework, the use of urinary catheters, nasogastric tubes and surgical drains is limited to what is strictly necessary. This improves patient comfort, facilitates early mobilisation and functional recovery, and reduces the risk of complications related to invasive devices.

Postoperative Follow-Up and Complex Situations

Yes. Postoperative follow-up is organised systematically. Recovery is closely monitored during hospital stay by surgical and anaesthesia teams working together. After discharge, follow-up visits are scheduled to assess recovery, wound healing and functional progress. When indicated, coordination with referring physicians or oncology teams ensures continuity of care.

Complex situations are anticipated and addressed through careful planning. When a condition is complex, a higher level of expertise, coordination and multidisciplinary collaboration is mobilised from the outset. Prehabilitation and tailored surgical strategies are integrated when indicated, with the objective of optimising all aspects of care and delivering treatment within a structured, patient-centred framework.

Preparation may include medical optimisation, nutritional support and specific instructions tailored to your individual situation. Clear guidance is provided well in advance to ensure you arrive for surgery in optimal condition.