Robotics

The Intuitive Robotic Davinci Xi platform has truly transformed the meaning of Minimally Invasive Surgery. The robotic platform as taken traditional laparoscopy (small incision surgery) and converted previous operations not able to be performed laparoscopically into a minimally invasive operation. The platform allows a surgeon to sit at a console and control a robot attached to trocars that the surgeon places into a patient’s abdomen. The robot then computes a pivot point to decrease torque on the abdominal wall thus reducing postoperative pain compared to traditional laparoscopy. Traditional laparoscopy has its limitation due to the lack of “wristed” instruments whereas the Davinci Xi robot wrist has 7 degrees of freedom of movement which allows for better dissection and easier suturing/repair.

A great example of the effectiveness of the robotic platform is the Rives-Stoppa Hernia repair. The “Stoppa” hernia repair was traditionally performed in an open fashion (vertical incision from breast bone to pubis) where the hernia is repaired and the mesh is placed within the retro-rectus sheath. When done open, this operation carries with it a 3-5 day in-hospital stay. With utilization of the Davinci Xi Robotic platform, this same repair can be achieved through 3 small incisions 8mm wide. With application of this platform, the recovery period is drastically shortened and this operation is even performed in the outpatient setting with no hospitalization in some situations.

Advantages of Robotic surgery can include:

• Shorter hospital stays
• Less pain
• Faster recovery
• Less scarring
• Reduced blood loss and transfusions
• Speedier return to daily activities

The da Vinci robotic platform can be used to perform a multitude of simple to complex procedures including, but not limited to:

• Appendectomy
• Cholecystectomy
• Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
• Anti Reflux
• Inguinal Hernia Repair
• Oncologic Surgery
• Adrenalectomy
• Distal Pancreatectomy
• Splenectomy
• Bariatrics
• Weight Loss