Advances in Robotic Surgery
Courtesy Denton Regional Medical Center, Denton LIVING WELL Magazine
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery has become the preferred surgical option in many hospitals, thanks to the decreased risk of infection and recovery times, and its increased efficiency and precision. Using the da Vinci Surgical System, a surgeon utilizes advanced computer technology to move tiny, robotic surgical tools to perform a number of minimally invasive procedures.
How Is Robotic Surgery Performed?
A surgeon makes small incisions through which he or she maneuvers a very small three-dimensional camera and tiny surgical tools inside the patient’s body. Positioned at a computer console, the surgeon uses high-definition, 3-D images provided by the camera as a guide to help determine how to move the robotic arm attached to the surgical instruments. The da Vinci system allows doctors an extensive range of motion and precision that would otherwise be impossible during traditional surgical methods.
When Is Robotic Surgery Used?
In many cases, robotic surgery is a better, less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. Additionally, robotic surgery allows for a procedure to be performed in hard-to-reach areas and on higher risk patients. Robotic surgery is used to help treat a variety of conditions including:
• Coronary artery disease
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Certain types of cancer, including bladder, colorectal, gynecological, kidney, prostate, throat and thyroid
What Are the Benefits?
• More control. Robotic technology gives surgeons greater control over movements, and therefore the ability to perform procedures with enhanced precision. This often reduces risk and lessens side effects.
• Less invasive. Because robotic surgery is much less invasive than traditional open surgery, it results in smaller incisions and less bleeding, scarring, risk of infection and pain.
• Quicker recovery. Because large incisions aren’t necessary and the trauma experienced by the body is minimal, patients recover faster and spend less time in the hospital than those who undergo traditional surgery.
• Better outcome. Increased control, decreased invasiveness and faster healing add up to better overall outcomes than compared to traditional surgery.
The Institute for Advanced Surgery and Technology at Denton Regional Medical Center offers patients access to the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures, as well as the most highly skilled physicians in the area. By utilizing state-of-the-art technology, including the da Vinci Si Robotic Surgery System, our physicians are able to provide less invasive procedures that lead to better outcomes, smaller incisions, less pain and scarring, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker recovery.
The Institute for Advanced Surgery at Denton Regional Medical Center is composed of the following specialty centers:
- Heart Center
- Women’s Center
- Center for Vascular Surgery
- Center for Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
- Center for General Surgery
- Outpatient Surgery Center
To learn more about robotic surgery at Denton Regional Medical Center and the conditions we treat, please visit our website at www.dentonregional.com or to find a physician call 940-898-0629.
