Hello all, I have been searching and cannot find much information on anyone who has gone the robotic route. On Monday I am having scalenectomy and first rib resection, and I'm scared to death!!! The more I read, the more my stomach gets tied in knots. I have literally lost 6 pounds in a week! (that is kind of a benefit actually Dr. Martinez in Toledo is doing the surgery with the da Vinci robot.

I have severe TOS, arterial and neurogenic, that has been misdiagnosed since 2005 as carpal tunnel. I woke up 3 months ago with no feeling in my arm on the ulnar side from my pinky up to my armpit and it has been numb ever since, hence the new diagnosis!! I never put it together that my severe neck pain was a symptom.

Anyway, I was scheduled yesterday for surgery, was in the surgical waiting room, IV in, typed and crossed, and surgery had to be cancelled because the patient in front of me (same surgery Im assuming) had "complications." So now I am REALLY scared!

So I guess I would like to know how people felt after the robotic route. I really like Dr. Martinez, and have no doubts as far as his skill. I just have NO idea what to expect and how I am even going to be able to show up again on Monday morning! I seriously need some Xanax.

I would appreciate ANY info!!

I don't recall anyone having robotic TOS surgery before.
Or else I missed that part if it was mentioned.

As long as the dr is highly skilled & well trained in the robotics , all should go well.

Best of luck , I hope all goes well.

I read an article about him and the robotic surgery last year. I was intrigued. it sounded alot less invasive then the traditional surgery.Do you live in the area or are you traveling? I dont think anywhere else in the country does it. Lots of Luck to you and please report back to us on your progress.

Good luck!

Thanks for the responses. I live near Dayton which is a little over 2 hours away. Surgery Monday, come home Saturday. I was told it requires a 2-day stay in the ICU. The only other centers I have found that offer it are George Washington, UCLA, and one in Florida I believe. I don't understand if it is less invasive, then why the longer hospital stay. All of the unknowns scare me. But I will definitely keep you posted.

2 days in the hospital is pretty light. Usually you can expect 3-5 days after the standard first rib resection and upwards of 7-10 days if there are complications.

I havent heard of it at UCLA. Do you have the links? I know Dr. Gelabart at UCLA uses video assist, but he didnt mention robotic when I saw him last year.

This was the time frame posted for Dsomday's surgery.

[ Surgery Monday, come home Saturday. I was told it requires a 2-day stay in the ICU.]


2 days ICU + 4 more days in hospital.

That isn't too far off the norm, some happen to be released sooner.
3-5 days is usually the norm I think.

If you are doing very well and have plenty of help at home the Dr may consider earlier release.
Then again the longer you stay there is possibly more control over any accidental activities that may jeopardize the surgery results..