Toumai Robotic Surgery System

Istanbul

Toumai Robotic Surgery System in Istanbul is available at 1 hospital in the Voumed network.

Toumai is an advanced robotic surgery system that lets a surgeon perform complex minimally invasive operations through a few small keyhole incisions. The surgeon works from a console a short distance from the operating table, guiding flexible robotic arms that copy every hand movement precisely while filtering out natural tremor. A high-definition camera gives a magnified, depth-accurate view inside the body, so delicate work in narrow spaces becomes more controlled and stable. As with all surgical robots, the system never acts on its own; the surgeon directs every motion and remains fully in control from start to finish.

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At a glance

Type: surgeon-controlled minimally invasive surgical robot
Used for: general, hepatobiliary, urological and gynaecological surgery
Key benefit: keyhole precision with stable, tremor-free movement
Anaesthesia: general anaesthesia
Where it is used: leading accredited surgical centres abroad

What it is

Toumai is a robot-assisted surgical platform made up of a console where the surgeon sits and operates, a patient-side unit carrying robotic arms, and a high-definition imaging system. The arms hold miniaturised instruments whose tips bend and rotate well beyond the range of the human wrist, allowing precise work in tight spaces. Advanced imaging features, such as enhancement of blood vessels and clearing of surgical smoke, keep the view of the operating field clear, while real-time instrument tracking and force feedback give the surgeon a better sense of the tissue being handled. Because every motion is scaled and steadied by the system, fine and delicate steps become more controlled.

How it works

During surgery the surgeon sits at the console and looks at a magnified image from inside the body, moving hand controls and pedals to guide the instruments in real time. The robotic arms reproduce each movement exactly but more steadily and on a finer scale, entering the body through a few small incisions about the width of a fingertip, so no large opening is needed. A surgical team stays at the patient's side throughout to change instruments and assist. The system performs no automatic actions: it simply carries out what the surgeon's hands command, with built-in features that support precision and safety.

What it treats and who it helps

Toumai is used across several fields. In general and hepatobiliary surgery it supports operations on abdominal organs, including the liver and biliary system; in urology it is used for the prostate, kidney and bladder; and in gynaecology for the uterus and ovaries. It is particularly valuable for operations in narrow or hard-to-reach areas where precision and a clear view matter most. Whether a robotic, laparoscopic or open approach is best always depends on the individual case, and a surgeon decides what suits the patient's condition and anatomy.

Benefits and what to expect

Compared with traditional open surgery, the robotic approach generally means smaller incisions, less blood loss, a lower risk of infection, less pain after the operation and shorter hospital stays. Many patients move sooner and return to everyday activities faster, and the small incisions leave less noticeable scarring. The magnified view and steady, tremor-free instruments also help the surgeon spare healthy tissue and nearby structures. As with any surgery, recovery varies with the procedure and the person, and the care team gives each patient a tailored plan for healing and follow-up.

Frequently asked questions

These answers are general guidance and may vary by provider. Confirm the details with the hospital you choose.

Does the robot operate on me by itself?

No. The robot cannot move or decide anything on its own. It precisely follows the surgeon's hand and foot movements, and the surgeon is fully in charge from start to finish.

Is robotic surgery with this system safe?

Yes. It is a surgeon-controlled platform with imaging and feedback features designed to support precision and safety, and a trained team is at the patient's side throughout. As with any operation, there are general surgical risks, which the team explains beforehand.

What operations can it perform?

It is used in general, hepatobiliary, urological and gynaecological surgery, supporting procedures on abdominal organs, the prostate, kidney and bladder, and the uterus and ovaries. Your surgeon will confirm whether it suits your case.

Is robotic surgery painful?

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia, so you feel nothing during it. Afterwards, because the incisions are small, most patients have less pain than after open surgery, and any discomfort is managed with medication.

Will I recover faster than with open surgery?

In many cases, yes. Smaller incisions and gentler handling of tissue often allow a shorter hospital stay and an earlier return to normal activities, though the exact time depends on the operation and your general health.