Robotic Surgical Techniques

da Vinci Robotic Surgery: A Highly Effective, Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedure

Robotically assisted surgical procedures represent the very latest in surgical technology. Our practice uses the da Vinci Surgical system to assist in both bariatric and general surgery procedures. A common misconception is that the robot performs the surgery. It does not. Rather, the surgeon, while sitting at a console away from the operating table, performs the action and the robot mimics that action translating that to a scaled down motion, creating deliberate and precise movements.

Using the most advanced technology, da Vinci provides our surgeons and our entire team with superior vision, precision, dexterity and improved access to the abdomen. For example, the surgeon is seated at a console next to the operating room, meaning that fatigue is far less of an issue during the course of the procedure. Further, the field of vision is much improved thanks to a magnified 3D view.

The procedure is performed much in the same way as it would if it were a conventional laparoscopic procedure and expected outcomes should be similar.

Wristed Motion

The robotic instruments have wristed hinges much like the human body. However these wrists have a far greater range of motion. The movements they are able to perform within the abdominal cavity are superior to those of traditional laparoscopic devices. The result is that some complex procedures, that once required open surgery, may now be performed laparoscopically for those who qualify.

da Vinci offers many other benefits over minimally invasive weight loss procedures including:

• Precise suturing offers a safe alternative to stapling for optimal anastomosis
• Provides meticulous dissection and suturing for complex revisions
• Dramatically improves surgeon ergonomics to minimize fatigue
• Shorter OR times, especially in high BMI patients
• Better precision, dexterity & control
• Better visualization for the surgeon
• Fewer complications

Compared to open surgery for weight loss, da Vinci provides the potential for:

• Less pain
• Less risk of infection
• Less blood loss
• Quicker return to normal activities

To learn more about our robotic surgery program, please contact our office and sign up for a free bariatric surgery seminar.