The Advantages of Robotic Surgery

During a robotic surgery procedure, three to four robotic arms are placed into the patient through the small incisions.

Over the past couple of years, surgical robots have helped transform the way physicians operate on patients. Robotic surgery helps surgeons be accurate during complex procedures, such as orthopedic urgery, but only requires incisions as small as a dime – even for major procedures.

During a robotic surgery procedure, three to four robotic arms are placed into the patient through the small incisions. One arm has a camera while the other two arms act in place of the surgeon’s hands. A fourth arm may be added to move blockage out of the way. The physician can control the arms through a console while a surgical team remains near the patient during the procedure.

Although robotic-assisted surgery is not something you may have thought about, there are several benefits to it for approved candidates. Here are four advantages to robotic-assisted surgery:

It is Minimally Invasive?

Since surgeons do not need to use their hands to directly access the body, smaller incisions are made in comparison to conventional surgery. The robotic arms can reduce tremors from the surgeon’s hands and reduce the likelihood of nicks or punctures that can lead to bleeding and infections.

Robotic-assisted surgery can be great for candidates who need procedures in hard-to-reach places. In these areas, blood vessels, nerves and other important structures may be present that can raise the risk of complications. The increased accuracy provided by the robot may reduce that risk.

Quicker Recovery Time

Since robotic-assisted surgery is minimally invasive, many patients will have a shorter recovery time in comparison to conventional surgery. It is important to remember that everyone is different and recovery time depends on the situation. But most people who have had robotic surgery have reported returning to daily activity quicker than those who received traditional surgery.

Also, since most robotic procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, patients may be able to save the time and cost of an inpatient stay.

Less Pain and Blood Loss

Because smaller incisions and better precision is involved with robotic surgery, most patients have less pain after the procedure. This can lead to less need for pain-relieving medications, which helps reduce the risk of side effects such as stomach upset or drug dependency.

There is also minimal blood loss from the small incisions made, which helps avoid the need for blood transfusion or major health complications that can arise from large amounts of blood loss.

Smaller Chance of Infection

With any surgical procedure, there is always a chance of developing an infection which can affect recovery and create major health complications. Because robotic-assisted surgery is less invasive, there is a reduced chance of having an infection.

Robotic Surgery at St. Mary’s

At St. Mary’s, we understand that choosing surgery is never easy. But when it’s necessary, we’re here for you with our region’s most comprehensive array of minimally invasive surgical services.

• Surgical robots for state-of-the-art precision in neurological, spine, orthopedic, general and urological procedures
• Hip, knee, and spine procedures
• Highly experienced surgeons and surgical staff
• Region’s leading continuum of care for maximum recovery

St. Mary’s Hospital provides our region’s most comprehensive robotic surgery services. That means more minimally invasive procedures with greater precision, less pain, less scarring and faster recovery times than ever before*.

• daVinci Xi – urology, thoracic & general surgery
• Mako SmartRobotics – highly accurate joint replacement
• ExcelsiusGPS – pinpoint precision for spinal procedures

* The type of surgery that is right for you depends on many factors. Talk with your surgeon about your options.

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