What is robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery is a surgical technique that the team often uses for surgeries at Surgical Consultants of Northern Virginia. They use the da Vinci® surgical system to perform these surgeries with greater precision and less chance for human error than conventional techniques.
The da Vinci surgical system allows for better vision and control for the surgeon. During your robotic surgery, your surgeon can operate within confined spaces of your body that they wouldn’t be able to safely reach without the robot’s help. They can perform these surgeries with the da Vinci system:
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
- Cholecystectomy
- Hernia repair
Before your surgery, your surgeon discusses the benefits and risks with you. If you’re a candidate for bariatric surgery, they can help you decide whether robotic surgery is your best option or if you should consider non-robotic minimally invasive surgery instead.
What are the benefits of robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery using the da Vinci surgical system offers an extensive list of benefits compared to non-robotic minimally invasive surgery and conventional open surgery. A few advantages of this technique are:
- Less pain and discomfort during and after your surgery
- Less blood loss during surgery
- A faster recovery time
- Smaller incisions
- Minimal scarring
- Lower risk for infection
- Better surgeon dexterity
- An enhanced visual field for the surgeon
- Better precision
When combined, all of these benefits frequently lead to better outcomes for patients.
What happens during robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery, meaning your surgeon can use a series of small incisions instead of one large one. These smaller incisions heal more quickly and result in less scarring.
During your surgery, your surgeon uses a laparoscope to view your organs on a nearby monitor. A laparoscope is a slender lighted camera that fits into small incisions and allows your surgeon to see your organs and tissues from the inside.
The da Vinci robotic system has three robotic arms with surgical instruments mounted on them. It also has a fourth arm with a 3D camera that magnifies the surgical site and allows for better visibility.
Your surgeon controls the robotic arms using wrist and finger movements. The robot’s arms mimic your surgeon’s actions with a high level of control for better precision. A surgical team is present to supervise the robot’s moves throughout the procedure.
To see if you’re a candidate for robotic surgery, call Surgical Consultants of Northern Virginia or request an appointment online today.
