Robotic Surgery

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery performed using robotic arms that are controlled by your surgeon. As the doctors at Desert West Surgery control the robotized da Vinci Surgical System, you gain two benefits: You still have the experience and skill of your surgeon plus a robotic system that provides more flexibility and precision than can be achieved with hand-held laparoscopic instruments.

How does the da Vinci Surgical System work?

The da Vinci consists of three pieces of equipment. The first component, the image processing equipment, is positioned near the bed, where it’s monitored by the surgical team.

The second piece contains four robotic arms that hold miniature surgical instruments. They’re narrow enough to go through very small incisions, which is why it’s minimally invasive surgery. One arm is dedicated to holding a light and video camera, which sends images from inside your body to the monitors.

The third piece, the surgeon’s console, contains a monitor and controllers. Your surgeon sits at the console and performs surgery by viewing the surgical site on the monitor while wearing controllers on his hands. Sensors on the controllers translate the surgeon’s hand and finger movements to the robotic arms.

What are the advantages of the da Vinci Surgical System?

The da Vinci enhances your surgeon’s ability in several ways. For starters, the robotic arms are smaller than a surgeon’s hand. As a result, it can perform surgery in small or tight areas without damaging the surrounding tissues and structures.

The advanced technology in the da Vinci also improves your surgery through:

Excellent imaging

The da Vinci has 3D, high-definition, and zoom capabilities that give your surgeon a better view than can be achieved by human eyes or with other imaging systems.

EndoWrist™ instruments

The robotic arms contain EndoWrist instruments that perform fine movement and allow a range of motion that exceeds human hands. With the da Vinci, your surgeon’s skilled hand and finger movements are transferred to the tiny surgical instruments.

What types of surgery are performed with the da Vinci Surgical System?

Many types of minimally invasive surgeries can be performed using the da Vinci, including:

• Colorectal surgery
• Head and neck surgery
• Thoracic surgery
• Urologic surgery
• General surgery

General surgery includes procedures to treat hernias, as well as conditions affecting your gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and stomach.

To learn whether your surgery may be performed using the da Vinci Surgical System, call Desert West Surgery or book a consultation online.