What is minimally invasive surgery?
What is laparoscopic surgery?
What is robotic surgery?
What is the da Vinci® Surgical System?
Does the robot do the surgery?
What is robotic prostatectomy?
What is robotic hysterectomy?
Is the surgical robot used for other procedures?
What are the potential benefits of robotic surgery?

What is minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery is a broad term, which generally includes both laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

What is laparoscopic surgery?

In laparoscopic or “keyhole” surgery, multiple small cuts (1 centimeter or smaller) are made in the abdomen, instead of one large open cut. A narrow tubular plastic sleeve is inserted into each cut, and the surgical instruments are passed in and out through these sleeves. The abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide gas to create a working space, and a tiny video camera is guided into the abdomen. Through each small cut, long thin instruments, controlled from the outside, are used to perform the operation.

What is robotic surgery?

Similar to laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery requires multiple small skin cuts rather than one, large open cut. Robotic instruments are introduced into the abdomen. Movements of the tips of these instruments are similar to the complex movements of the human wrist. The surgeon controls the instruments from a distance, with the instruments precisely duplicating the surgeon’s movements.

What is the da Vinci® Surgical System?

The da Vinci® Surgical System is the proprietary name for the robotic system designed by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. The da Vinci robot was the first to gain approval by the FDA, and is by far the most common platform for robotic surgery. The system consists of four robotic arms. One controls the camera, which provides three-dimensional vision, and the other three hold interchangeable instruments. The surgeon sits at a console near the bedside and manipulates special joysticks to control the robotic instruments

Does the robot do the surgery?

Absolutely not. This is a common misconception. The robot is considered a master-slave system. In other words, the robot does nothing on its own. Although natural hand tremor is removed, the surgeon completely controls the robotic instruments.

What is robotic prostatectomy?

Robotic prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical approach that involves using a robotic system to assist with the removal of the entire prostate gland and seminal vesicles for the treatment of prostate cancer.

What is robotic hysterectomy?

Robotic hysterectomy offers numerous potential benefits over traditional approaches to vaginal, laparoscopic or open abdominal hysterectomy. Using the robotic system, surgeons are able to perform with unmatched precision and control – using only a few small incisions. Robotic hysterectomy is one of the most effective, least invasive treatment options for a range of uterine conditions.

Is the surgical robot used for other procedures?

In the arena of urology, the robot is commonly used for:

• radical prostatectomy
• kidney removal (nephrectomy)
• partial kidney removal (partial nephrectomy)
• bladder removal (cystectomy)
• repairing kidney blockages (pyeloplasty for UPJ obstruction)

The surgical robot is also used in the field of gynecology for the following:

• hysterectomy
• surgical correction for vaginal vault prolapse (sacrocolpopexy)
• myomectomy - a uterine preserving alternative to hysterectomy

What are the potential benefits of robotic surgery?

The surgical robot is an excellent tool for certain surgical procedures. Experienced robotic surgeons generally believe that robotic surgery provides the following advantages:

• Increased surgical precision
• Enhanced visualization of small or delicate structures
• Decreased scarring
• Decreased pain
• Less bleeding
• Faster recovery
• Shorter hospital stay
• Improved clinical outcomes