Table 1. Advantages and disadvantages of various surgical techniques.

Type of Surgery	Advantages	Disadvantages
Open	Fully exposed surgical siteDirect access to structures and organsAffordablePervasiveWidest variety of operationsFor morbidly obese patientsFor patients with prior operationsFor patients with multiple adhesions	Large incisionPainful recoveryLengthy healing processProlonged hospital staysHigher infection ratesLarge scar and disfigurement
Laparoscopic	AffordablePervasiveShorter hospital staysReduced postoperative painLower incidence of wound infectionsGreatly enhanced cosmetic outcomesImproved patient outcomes	Limited dexterityLoss of depth perceptionRisk of camera instabilityRisk of port placementAwkward movement of instrumentsFulcrum effectPoor ergonomicsFatigueReversed image can cause miscommunicationNot for morbidly obese patients
Robotic-Assisted	Greater dexterityElimination of hand tremorElimination of fulcrum effectEnhanced depth perceptionCamera stabilityImproved surgeon ergonomicsIncreased accuracyScalable motionsPotential for micro-anastomosesPotential for telesurgeryShorter hospital staysReduced postoperative painLower incidence of wound infectionsGreatly enhanced cosmetic outcomesImproved patient outcomes	High cost (purchase, upgrade, maintenance)Long surgeon training timeLong set-up timeBulkiness of equipmentLack of tactile and force feedbackRisk of malfunction or failureRisk of port placementPatient safety during emergencyRequires additional staff trainingNot for morbidly obese patients