What Is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery, or robot-assisted surgery, is a state-of-the-art technique for performing minimally invasive surgeries with the help of special instruments and a surgeon console. At Suburban Surgical Care Specialists / Kane Center, our highly experienced surgeons utilize the da Vinci robotic surgery for performing a variety of complex procedures, including bariatric surgery, hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, and colon and rectal surgery. To perform robotic surgery, our physicians utilize a set of tiny wristed tools that offer a greater range of motion than the human hand. The da Vinci system also involves 3D views of the surgical area in high definition for optimal precision.
Robotic Surgery vs. Laparoscopic Surgery
When appropriate, our surgeons recommend laparoscopic or robotic surgery to perform procedures with smaller incisions and less trauma to the surgical site. Both minimally invasive techniques involve the use of a telescope and special instruments to access the area of concern, versus open surgery which involves a longer incision to fully view the structures involved. While robotic and laparoscopic surgery both entail operating with small tools through small incisions, the techniques differ in how the instruments are designed and employed.
The laparoscopic technique requires a surgeon to directly move the instruments, referencing a 2D video on a monitor to help guide them. With robotic surgery using the da Vinci system, the instruments are attached to the surgeon console’s robotic arms. The surgeon controls these instruments, which have tiny wrists to move like a human hand. While navigating these specialized tools, the surgeon views the body area through a 3D HD vision system.
What Are the Different Types of Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is ideal for more involved procedures to create the most predictable and favorable outcomes. Visit the pages below for more information about each of the robotic surgeries our team performs.
Robotic Hernia Surgery
Robotic hernia surgery can be performed through a set of small incisions to repair the defect. By using the da Vinci system, our doctors are able to close the opening and sew mesh over the defect—whether for a ventral, inguinal, or other type of hernia. This can provide a more effective correction of the hernia, as well as less post-operative pain.
Robotic Cholecystectomy
A robotic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive technique for removing the gallbladder when disease is present. While open cholecystectomy requires a large incision in the abdomen, a robot-assisted cholecystectomy is accomplished by making a few small incisions. Through these incisions, our physicians are able to precisely remove the gallbladder.
Robotic Colorectal Surgery
Robotic colorectal surgery can often be used for patients who need colon or rectal surgery, offering many advantages to the right candidates. The da Vinci system allows our surgeons greater access and visualization within the pelvis. In addition, this robotic technique for low rectal cancers increases the possibility of preserving the anal sphincter.
Robotic Bariatric Surgery
Robotic bariatric surgery using da Vinci technology is a less invasive technique for performing certain weight loss procedures, such as gastric bypass and the duodenal switch. Patients eligible for robot-assisted bariatric surgery can typically benefit from a more comfortable recovery period with less pain.