Robotic. I think studies show recovery is easier and less complications. If I ever need it again, I won’t be worried. Even at age 77, I went home the next day.
The surgeon’s nurse said everyone is very surprised how easy it is.
I try to be very careful about handwashing, touching my face, use Clorox wipes to clean my armrests & tray table. I flew to Portugal once which was about 8 hrs. Flight from Venice about 11 hrs. Flight attendants are handling your drinks and food for hundreds of people. It’s too much. I know a few people who go on transatlantic cruises to get there. Cunard offers round trips.
The local pulmonologist and at Mayo have both told me it’s difficult to avoid. When I was younger I did ok, but not now. If you do go, I highly recommend asking your dr to give you the antibiotics, have a travel nebulizer. A Mayo dr told me in 2012 that the minute I felt the mucus to start Mucinex. I never travel without it. Ask your dr about taking that when traveling.
I had a hotel call a dr for me in Venice. Sadly he gave me antibiotics and couldn’t run tests. We were three days before flying home. Soon as I arrived went to ER. The antibiotics were useless because I had viral pneumonia and immune system was compromised with Aspergillus was in both lungs. That is nasty stuff.
For sure, but travel insurance! On my flight home from Portugal I upgraded to first class so I could lay down. My travel insurance covered it.