Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Robotic surgery, also known as robot-assisted surgery, is a type of minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a surgeon uses a robotic system to perform the surgery. The robotic system consists of a robotic arm controlled by the surgeon, which holds and manipulates the surgical instruments. The system also includes a high-definition camera that provides a 3D view of the surgical site.

Robotic surgery offers several potential advantages over traditional open surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery. These advantages include smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, less pain, faster recovery times, and shorter hospital stays for patients. The robotic system enhances the surgeon’s capabilities by filtering out hand tremors and allowing for more precise movements, leading to improved surgical outcomes. The surgeon and surgical team work from a comfortable, ergonomic position, resulting in less fatigue during long, complex cases.

Patients also benefit from the high-tech nature of the equipment. The robotic camera provides 10-times magnification and 3D vision rather than the two-dimensional vision of a laparoscope. The robotic arms move with incredible precision, moving in and out with a wrist-like turning motion of 360 degrees.

In 2001, Inova pioneered the use of da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery in the Washington, DC, region. We offer two of the da Vinci® Surgical Systems®: the da Vinci Xi, featuring 3D vision for superior physician depth perception and visualization, and the da Vinci SP, for single port surgery uniquely designed for surgery through one incision. Our commitment to offering the most innovative, patient-focused treatments is demonstrated by our continuously high patient satisfaction scores. Inova's experience and expertise create the best possible surgical experience for you.

Robotic surgery is a tool that assists surgeons but does not replace them. The surgical procedure is still performed by the surgeon, who remains in control of the entire operation.

The surgeon sits at a specialized control center known as a console where the surgeon controls the camera, robotic arms and other equipment. An assistant sits at the patient's bedside and uses laparoscopic tools through ports to provide suction, change robotic tools, make adjustments to the robotic arms as needed and to introduce stitches.

A circulating nurse will make preparations for the procedure and continually monitor the patient and surgical team during its course. This registered nurse also records the progress of the operation, accounts for the instruments and handles specimens throughout the procedure.

A surgical technologist sits on the other side of the patient to provide tools and sutures and to make adjustments to the robotic arms. The anesthesiologist remains at the patient's head, providing anesthesia and monitoring the patient's heart and lungs.

Robotic-assisted surgery is a great option for many different types of conditions, including cancer and non-cancerous procedures, and is available for adults and for children. But robotic surgery isn't an option for everyone. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of robotic surgery and how it compares with other techniques, such as conventional open surgery and other types of minimally invasive surgery.

Traditional open surgery, also known as open surgery or conventional surgery, refers to the traditional approach where a surgeon makes a large incision in the body to access the surgical site. This technique has been used for many years and is still employed in various surgical procedures.

Open surgery is often required for complex or extensive procedures that cannot be effectively performed using minimally invasive techniques. It may be necessary when the surgeon needs a larger field of view, better tactile feedback, or when there are anatomical variations or complications that make minimally invasive approaches less suitable.

While open surgery has been a widely used and effective technique, it generally involves a longer hospital stay, more post-operative pain, increased risk of infection, and longer recovery times compared to minimally invasive procedures. However, it remains an important surgical option in certain cases where it provides the best outcomes for the patient.

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery, is a modern surgical technique that uses specialized instruments and a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera) to perform surgical procedures through small incisions in the body.

In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes a few small keyhole incisions, typically ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters in size, in the patient's abdomen or pelvis. The laparoscope is inserted through one of the incisions, providing a high-definition, magnified view of the surgical site on a monitor. The surgeon then uses long, thin instruments inserted through the other incisions to perform the procedure.

The key differences between laparoscopic surgery and open surgery include incision size, tissue trauma, recovery time and scarring.

Any surgical procedure has risks such as infection, bleeding or need for repeat surgery. Complications resulting from robotic surgery are rare, but they can still occur. You should be aware of these potential issues, so you can make an informed decisions about your surgery.