Your surgeon has a powerful tool in the operating room: a robotic surgery system called da Vinci.
The da Vinci Surgical System is widely used. According to Intuitive Surgical, the company that developed da Vinci, more than 12 million robotic surgeries have been performed around the world with da Vinci. And more than 60,000 surgeons have been trained in how to use it.
Robotic surgery (also known as robot-assisted surgery) can be used for many procedures. They include:
• Coronary artery bypass.
• Gallbladder removal.
• Hip replacement.
• Hysterectomy.
• Kidney transplant.
• Radical prostatectomy.
• Tubal ligation.
How does robotic surgery work?
During robotic surgery, the surgeon sits at a computer station. They have 3D views of the part of the body being operated on. The surgeon controls robotic arms, which hold tiny instruments.
The arms move like a human hand and wrist. They are quite flexible and can make very small, precise movements. This is especially helpful during procedures in small or hard-to-reach areas.
Advantages of robotic surgery
Robotic surgery can offer you and your surgeon many benefits.
It is minimally invasive. This means smaller cuts are made than with traditional surgery. After surgery, you may have:
• A quicker recovery.
• Less pain and bleeding.
• A reduced risk of infection.
• Smaller scars.
For your surgeon, robotic assistance makes it easier to perform some types of procedures. Your surgeon can see the surgery area more easily.
The surgeon can sit instead of standing, which may be more physically comfortable during long or complex procedures.
Watson Clinic specialists have long been leaders in robotic surgery. Visit WatsonClinic.com/RoboticSurgery for more details.
Sources: American College of Surgeons; Intuitive; National Institutes of Health; UpToDate; U.S. Food and Drug Administration