Robotic Surgery

Introduction to Da Vinci® robot assisted surgery

Da Vinci® robotic assisted surgery is a new technique that allows for more precision in minimally invasive procedures. Regular minimally invasive procedures are done laparoscopically, where a surgeon makes one or a few small incisions and inserts miniature instruments as well as a video camera through the incisions. The camera will transmit an image of the internal organs, and the surgeon will use the images to perform the surgery manually. With Da Vinci® robotic assisted surgery, a surgeon will sit at a console in the operating room and use controls to move tiny instruments attached to robotic arms. A camera is inserted at the sight of the incision and transmits a 3D image of the site. The surgeon operates based on the 3D imagery, and the robot translates the surgeon's movements with exact precision. The robot has extensive checks so that it is completely unable to be programmed to perform a certain task or operate in any way on its own. Robotic assisted surgical technology allows surgeons to perform increasingly advanced procedures in a minimally invasive fashion. Without this technology, most advanced operations are often done open, which results in more scarring, a longer hospital stay, increased risk of infection, and a longer recovery for the patient. As this technology improves it enables more efficiency in the medical field, and benefits both the patients and their providers.