Robotic Surgery

Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center surgeons use the da Vinci® Xi™ Surgical System, an advanced robotic platform that allows doctors to perform complex procedures with more flexibility and precision than ever before. This may result in less pain, scarring, trauma and blood loss than other surgical procedures so that people can potentially return to work and daily activities more quickly.

Robotic Procedures

Surgeons at Centennial Hills Hospital are using the technology for:

• Prostate procedures
• Gynecologic procedures
• Kidney surgery
• Head and neck surgery for tumors and other issues

The da Vinci System

Surgeons operate the da Vinci system at a computer console close to you where they control the machine’s robotic arms. Surgeons find the optimal position for the procedure using the da Vinci® Xi's™ sophisticated targeting system. Once the surgeon locates the best area, the da Vinci system will configure itself to allow the surgeon a greater range of motion. With pinpoint accuracy, the surgeon then uses the robotic arms to make a series of three small incisions, or ports, in the surgical area. The arms are then inserted into the body.

One arm has a tiny video camera and the other two arms are equipped with special surgical instruments. The camera provides the surgeon with a 3D, high-definition image of the surgical site from inside your body, which they can magnify up to 10 times. During the operation, the surgeon can take advantage of the enhanced vision and movement of the robotic arms to foster better outcomes for surgery patients.

Minimally-invasive and Robotic Advantages

Both robotic surgery and laparaoscopic surgery are known as minimally invasive procedures. In both procedures, small incisions are used, which may result in less post-operative pain, reduced blood loss, less need for blood transfusions and a potentially faster recovery time. The two major drawbacks of conventional laparoscopy (without the use of robotic instrumentation) are that it relies on the use of rigid, hand-held instruments, and visualization is provided by a standard 2D video monitor rather than a 3D field. While standard laparoscopic surgery is performed using small incisions, the surgeon's depth of field, dexterity and precision may be variable.

Potential benefits of minimally invasive robotic surgery over open surgery include:

• Shorter hospital stay (one day in most cases versus three to five days)
• Significantly less pain post-operatively (often only over-the-counter pain medications are required)
• Quicker recovery and return to normal activities (one to two weeks versus six to eight weeks)
• Fewer complications and less risk of infection
• Less scarring: Small, dime-sized incisions versus a six- to eight-inch scar.

Best Candidates

The best candidates for robotic surgery are chosen on an individual basis by your doctor. Ask him or her about robotic surgery and whether or not your diagnosis and situation will lend itself to robotic surgery.