da Vinci Robotic Surgery

What is da Vinci robotic surgery?

da Vinci robotic surgery is a specific type of robot-assisted surgery. It enhances the dexterity and range of motion for your surgeon’s hands and adds precision in hard-to-reach areas.

Three or four robotic arms hold surgical instruments and an endoscopic camera that allows your surgeon to see inside your body. The instruments fit through small incisions. This eliminates the need for larger incisions, like the ones surgeons make in traditional “open” surgeries. In most cases, this results in fewer postoperative wound complications and a quicker recovery time.

Most importantly, robotic instruments only move when the surgeon is controlling them. At no point does the robot operate on its own.

The da Vinci Surgical System® got its name from Leonardo da Vinci’s study of human anatomy. The FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) cleared the da Vinci robot for surgical use in July 2000. It’s still one of the leading surgical robotic systems used in healthcare today.

Parts of a da Vinci robot

The da Vinci Surgical System consists of three main parts:

1. Control center. Your surgeon sits here during the operation. A screen gives them high-definition, 3D views of the surgical site and allows them to control the robotic arms. The controls look a bit like arcade joysticks — but they’re far more advanced.
2. Patient cart. This cart stays next to you during your operation. It holds the robotic arms and any necessary instruments for the procedure.
3. Vision cart. This unit contains the hardware and software necessary to operate the da Vinci surgical robot. It also has a secondary video screen so your surgery team can see what’s happening during your procedure.

What surgeries does the da Vinci robot do?

Surgeons use da Vinci for many procedures across different specialties. Some of the most common include:

• Colostomy
• Endometrial ablation
• Gallbladder removal
• Gastric sleeve surgery
• Gastrotomy (feeding) tube placement
• Hysterectomy
• Mitral valve repair
• Polypectomy
• Splenectomy
• Tonsillectomy

Surgeons use da Vinci robotic surgery for many different types of procedures. But it’s not available in every country or hospital. Ask your healthcare provider if da Vinci surgery is an option for you.

How common is da Vinci robotic surgery?

Worldwide, healthcare providers have used the da Vinci robot for over 10 million surgeries. Its use is becoming increasingly popular.

What happens during da Vinci robotic surgery?

What happens during surgery depends on the type of procedure you need. But all da Vinci surgeries begin the same way:

1. An anesthesiologist will give you general anesthesia. This will help you sleep during your procedure.
2. Your surgical team will set up the da Vinci robot and position the patient cart next to you.
3. Your surgeon will make a few small incisions. (The exact number depends on what type of procedure you need and what part of your body needs treatment.)
4. Next, your surgeon will carefully insert the instruments through the incisions.
5. Then, they’ll attach the surgical instruments to the robotic arms.
6. Your surgeon will sit down at the control center. Here, they can see a clear, high-definition view of the surgical site.
7. Your surgeon uses the robot’s controls to guide the instruments. The robotic arms move like enhanced wrists, reaching tight spaces with precision. The robot only moves when your surgeon does.
8. Once your surgeon completes your procedure, they’ll remove the surgical instruments and close your incisions.

What are the advantages of da Vinci robotic surgery?

During your procedure, potential benefits of da Vinci surgery include:

• Less blood loss
• Less trauma to your tissues
• Smaller incisions

After your procedure, potential benefits may include:

• Fewer complications and infections
• Less pain
• Less scarring
• Quicker return to normal daily activities
• Shorter hospital stays
• Shorter recovery time

What are some disadvantages of the da Vinci robot?

There are always risks with surgery, including reactions to anesthesia and bleeding. There are two disadvantages of da Vinci surgery:

• Your surgery will take longer.
• The surgery may cost more than a traditional surgery. Talk to your hospital’s billing department about costs.

How long does it take to recover from da Vinci robotic surgery?

It depends on a few factors, like your overall health and the type of procedure you need. Your provider can give you a recovery timeline based on your health and procedure.

When should I call my doctor?

Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. You should also tell your surgeon immediately if you develop:

• Discoloration, swelling, drainage or tenderness at your incision sites — these can be signs of infection
• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
• Excessive bleeding

When in doubt, it’s always OK to reach out to your care team.

When should I go to the ER?

Don’t hesitate to call 911 or go to the emergency department if you have symptoms like:

• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Fainting
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Pain that gets worse and doesn’t improve with medication