Gastric Surgeon Explains Robotic Assistance

At USC Arcadia Hospital, robotic surgery is an everyday feature of treatment for local gastric surgery patients.

When paired together, the words “robot” and “surgery” might conjure visions of the future. But robotically assisted surgery is already transforming top-notch medical care.

Sharon Shiraga, MD, an upper-gastrointestinal surgeon with Keck Medicine of USC who practices at USC Arcadia Hospital, is an expert in general and minimally invasive surgeries involving the stomach, esophagus and abdominal wall.

Dr. Shiraga answers a few questions about robotic surgery’s role in the care she provides at USC-AH.

How does the robot work? How does the surgeon use it?

During the procedure, the surgeon sits at a nearby console and uses hand and foot controls to guide the robotic instruments.

A surgical robot does not operate on its own — it is completely controlled by the surgeon.

Every movement the surgeon makes is translated in real time into precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient through small incisions. The robot provides a high-definition, magnified 3D view of the surgical area and instruments that can bend and rotate like a human wrist (and even more).

This allows the surgeon to operate with greater precision, especially in tight spaces, which can help improve accuracy, reduce tissue trauma and support a safer recovery.

Are there cases where robotic surgery is especially helpful?

Robotic surgery is especially helpful in cases where the operation requires fine dissection, delicate suturing or work in tight spaces. In general surgery, it is commonly used for complex hernia repairs (including large ventral and recurrent hernias) and foregut procedures such as hiatal hernia repair, reflux surgery and other upper abdominal operations where precision is critical.

Robotic surgery is also widely used across many other specialties. Urology uses it frequently for prostate and kidney surgery, gynecology for hysterectomy and complex pelvic surgery, and thoracic surgery for procedures in the chest.

How does the robot help to provide better treatments and outcomes?

Robotic surgery helps surgeons perform complex operations with greater precision by providing a magnified 3D view and instruments that move with wrist-like flexibility.

This can improve the surgeon’s ability to carefully dissect tissue, control bleeding and perform fine suturing — especially in tight spaces like the pelvis, upper abdomen or around critical blood vessels.

For many patients, this translates into smaller incisions, less pain, reduced blood loss, fewer wound complications and a faster recovery compared with traditional open surgery.

What robotic surgical options are available for stomach cancer?

Robotic surgery is an advanced minimally invasive option for selected patients with stomach cancer, including partial or total gastrectomy. A key part of stomach cancer surgery is removing not only the tumor, but also the surrounding lymph nodes, since gastric cancer often spreads to lymph nodes first.

The robotic platform provides magnified 3D vision and highly precise instrument control, allowing surgeons to perform a more meticulous lymph node dissection and fine-tissue separation around major blood vessels — helping improve cancer clearance and surgical margins.

For the right patient, robotic gastrectomy can also offer the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, including smaller incisions, less pain, reduced blood loss and faster recovery, while maintaining the same cancer surgery principles as open surgery.

This combination of precision and minimally invasive recovery is why robotic surgery is becoming an important option in modern stomach cancer care.

What should patients know about how robotics are advancing the field?

Patients should know that robotics is not “automatic surgery” — it is a tool fully controlled by the surgeon. As robotic technology continues to advance, surgeons can offer minimally invasive options for more complex cases that previously required large incisions.

However, not all surgeries can be performed with the robot. Experienced surgeons continuously train and stay current with the latest techniques, research and technological improvements to deliver the safest and most effective care with the safest treatment plan.

The field is evolving rapidly, and today’s robotic platforms are expanding what is possible in cancer surgery, hernia repair and many other specialties, while maintaining a strong focus on safety and long-term outcomes.

What robotic surgical services does USC-AH provide?

At USC-AH, our robotic surgery program continues to grow, and we now have two robotic systems available to serve our community. This expanded capability allows more patients to access minimally invasive surgery with less waiting, while supporting advanced procedures across general surgery, urology, gynecology and thoracic surgery.

What kind of outreach does the team do with the community?

USC-AH is committed not only to excellent patient care but also to serving as a true pillar of the community. We recently hosted a robotic surgery demonstration for local high school students, giving them a firsthand look at the technology that is transforming modern medicine.

Welcoming these students was an incredible experience. Seeing their curiosity and excitement as they interacted with the robotic platform was truly inspiring.

Opportunities like this help spark interest in science and innovation, and we are proud to play a role in inspiring the next generation of future physicians, scientists and engineers.

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