When you or a loved one is faced with surgery, it’s only natural to want the best possible outcome and the quickest recovery. Ongoing advances in surgical techniques and technology have continued to make this more likely for patients than ever. Here’s an overview of various techniques used today.
Open surgery
Traditional open surgery has utilized large incisions, which enables the physician to have a clear view of the area he’s operating on. Although this option remains the most appropriate type of surgery for many conditions, patients typically have longer recoveries, more pain, and a greater risk of infection.
Minimally invasive surgery
Fortunately, many procedures can now be completed with minimally invasive surgical techniques. Laparoscopic surgery is performed using several small incisions in the abdomen, rather than one very long incision. One of the small incisions is used for a laparoscope that enables the surgeon to visualize his work with fiber-optic light and a magnification video camera; surgical instruments are inserted into the other incisions.
Carbon dioxide is used to inflate the abdomen, creating space between the abdominal wall and organs, which makes it possible for the surgeon to see and maneuver the instruments. This technique enables the surgeon to view the patient’s anatomy with a two-dimensional image on a nearby monitor. After the procedure is completed, the carbon dioxide is released.
Robotic-assisted surgery
The next evolution is robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery using the daVinci® Surgical System. Using 1- to 2-centimeter incisions for the instruments and camera, this technology provides a 3D image for the surgeon. This gives the physician the ability to perceive depth and judge distances when performing an operation.
Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery provides the benefits of traditional open surgery (including clear visualization and depth perception for the surgeon) with the benefits of laparoscopic surgery (such as smaller incisions, shorter healing time, and less risk of infection). Studies demonstrate that the daVinci can help experienced surgeons minimize the patient’s pain and risks while increasing the likelihood of a fast recovery and successful outcome. Please keep in mind that every patient, every surgery, and every outcome is different. Therefore, the following benefits are common, but aren’t guaranteed.
Benefits to a qualified surgeon
• Greater surgical precision
• Improved dexterity
• Enhanced visualization
• Improved access
Typical benefits to the patient
• Shorter hospital stay
• Smaller scar
• Less pain
• Less blood loss and fewer transfusions
• Less risk of infection
• Shorter recovery
• Quicker return to normal activities
More about the robot
Some people wonder if these advances in surgical technology will eliminate the role of the surgeon. Definitely not—the robot is simply a tool well-trained physicians can use to offer some patients an alternative to surgery.
The daVinci System helps the surgeon be more precise and enhances his ability to perform complex minimally invasive procedures. The daVinci robot can’t be programmed to function on its own—it simply replicates the physician’s own movements and surgical maneuvers.
How is this done? After the surgeon and the operating room team properly place the surgical instruments into the patient through tiny incisions, the surgeon takes his place at a console just a few feet away from the patient. The physician looks into a monitor to view the 3D image while using miniaturized, wristed instruments that control the surgical instruments inside the patient. Interestingly, the surgeon can feel some feedback sensations when using the instruments—this provides a substitute for tactile sensation when completing the procedure.
The daVinci Surgical System can be used for a wide range of procedures. As a general surgeon, I typically use the daVinci for colon, hiatal hernia, and stomach surgeries. Because every situation is different, your physician can help you determine which procedure and technique are likely to produce the best outcome.
Can I afford it?
Every insurance program is different, but for most, using the daVinci Surgical System is the same as any other laparoscopic or minimally invasive procedures. Of course, check with your insurance provider for details.
Robot safety
Every surgery includes some potential risks, but the general safety of the daVinci robot has been well documented. It’s been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a wide range of procedures and has been used in tens of thousands of operations.
A bit of trivia
According to the robot’s manufacturer, part of the reason it was dubbed the daVinci Surgical System is because Leonardo daVinci invented the first robot. In addition, daVinci demonstrated unparalleled accuracy and 3D details when creating his masterpieces. The daVinci robot similarly provides physicians with enhanced detail and precision.
The daVinci robot was first used in Peoria in 2002. At that time, it was approximately the 40th installation in the United States. Today U.S. installations alone now number over 300. tpw
Open surgery
Traditional open surgery has utilized large incisions, which enables the physician to have a clear view of the area he’s operating on. Although this option remains the most appropriate type of surgery for many conditions, patients typically have longer recoveries, more pain, and a greater risk of infection.
Minimally invasive surgery
Fortunately, many procedures can now be completed with minimally invasive surgical techniques. Laparoscopic surgery is performed using several small incisions in the abdomen, rather than one very long incision. One of the small incisions is used for a laparoscope that enables the surgeon to visualize his work with fiber-optic light and a magnification video camera; surgical instruments are inserted into the other incisions.
Carbon dioxide is used to inflate the abdomen, creating space between the abdominal wall and organs, which makes it possible for the surgeon to see and maneuver the instruments. This technique enables the surgeon to view the patient’s anatomy with a two-dimensional image on a nearby monitor. After the procedure is completed, the carbon dioxide is released.
Robotic-assisted surgery
The next evolution is robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery using the daVinci® Surgical System. Using 1- to 2-centimeter incisions for the instruments and camera, this technology provides a 3D image for the surgeon. This gives the physician the ability to perceive depth and judge distances when performing an operation.
Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery provides the benefits of traditional open surgery (including clear visualization and depth perception for the surgeon) with the benefits of laparoscopic surgery (such as smaller incisions, shorter healing time, and less risk of infection). Studies demonstrate that the daVinci can help experienced surgeons minimize the patient’s pain and risks while increasing the likelihood of a fast recovery and successful outcome. Please keep in mind that every patient, every surgery, and every outcome is different. Therefore, the following benefits are common, but aren’t guaranteed.
Benefits to a qualified surgeon
• Greater surgical precision
• Improved dexterity
• Enhanced visualization
• Improved access
Typical benefits to the patient
• Shorter hospital stay
• Smaller scar
• Less pain
• Less blood loss and fewer transfusions
• Less risk of infection
• Shorter recovery
• Quicker return to normal activities
More about the robot
Some people wonder if these advances in surgical technology will eliminate the role of the surgeon. Definitely not—the robot is simply a tool well-trained physicians can use to offer some patients an alternative to surgery.
The daVinci System helps the surgeon be more precise and enhances his ability to perform complex minimally invasive procedures. The daVinci robot can’t be programmed to function on its own—it simply replicates the physician’s own movements and surgical maneuvers.
How is this done? After the surgeon and the operating room team properly place the surgical instruments into the patient through tiny incisions, the surgeon takes his place at a console just a few feet away from the patient. The physician looks into a monitor to view the 3D image while using miniaturized, wristed instruments that control the surgical instruments inside the patient. Interestingly, the surgeon can feel some feedback sensations when using the instruments—this provides a substitute for tactile sensation when completing the procedure.
The daVinci Surgical System can be used for a wide range of procedures. As a general surgeon, I typically use the daVinci for colon, hiatal hernia, and stomach surgeries. Because every situation is different, your physician can help you determine which procedure and technique are likely to produce the best outcome.
Can I afford it?
Every insurance program is different, but for most, using the daVinci Surgical System is the same as any other laparoscopic or minimally invasive procedures. Of course, check with your insurance provider for details.
Robot safety
Every surgery includes some potential risks, but the general safety of the daVinci robot has been well documented. It’s been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a wide range of procedures and has been used in tens of thousands of operations.
A bit of trivia
According to the robot’s manufacturer, part of the reason it was dubbed the daVinci Surgical System is because Leonardo daVinci invented the first robot. In addition, daVinci demonstrated unparalleled accuracy and 3D details when creating his masterpieces. The daVinci robot similarly provides physicians with enhanced detail and precision.
The daVinci robot was first used in Peoria in 2002. At that time, it was approximately the 40th installation in the United States. Today U.S. installations alone now number over 300. tpw