Comparing open, keyhole and robotic
Open surgery | Keyhole (laparoscopic) | Robotic | |
|---|---|---|---|
Incisions | One large incision | 3–4 small incisions | 4–5 small incisions |
Time in hospital | Longest | Short | Short |
Return to normal activity | Slowest | Quick | Quick |
Wound complications | Highest risk | Low | Low |
Precision in tight spaces | Direct hand access | Limited by rigid instruments | Best — instruments bend at the tip |
Time under anaesthetic | Usually shortest | Middle | Usually longest |
What it costs you | Usually funded by insurance or ACC. | Usually funded by insurance or ACC. | Same hospital cost as keyhole, but not currently funded, so paid out of pocket. Fixed price for inguinal hernia repair. |
Where it’s the right choice | When keyhole isn’t safe, or in an emergency. | A well-established approach for most operations. | My preferred approach across the range, where cost allows. |