Robot-Assisted Surgery

Surgeons at Nationwide Children’s Hospital use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce pain, length of hospital stays and the appearance of surgical scars. Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is one minimally invasive approach that combines the skills of specially trained surgeons with a state-of-the-art robotic surgical system.

Like other laparoscopic procedures, robot-assisted surgery involves making tiny “keyhole” incisions. Then, using the da Vinci® surgical system, surgeons insert laparoscopic equipment, which they control with their own movements. Because the equipment uses advanced robotics technology, the surgeon is able to perform highly complex movements on a very small scale, that are otherwise impossible to make with the human hand directly. The equipment includes a special camera that allows surgeons to monitor their movements in high-definition 3D video at extreme magnification. Remote viewing also allows other members of the surgical team to observe.

Benefits of Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery

Robot-assisted and other minimally invasive procedures offer a number of benefits, compared to traditional “open” procedures. These benefits often include:

Smaller incisions
Reduced blood loss
Shorter hospital stays
Less pain for the patient after surgery, and less pain medication
Faster recovery
Reduced risk of infection and complications
Fewer scars
Increased patient and family satisfaction

Compared to standard laparoscopic procedures, robot-assisted surgery shares the same benefits in minimizing the invasiveness of the operation. But the robotic technology dramatically expands the surgeon’s natural abilities. Key advantages include:

Greater dexterity: The surgeon directs the instruments with a higher degree of dexterity and range of motion—far greater than the human hand can accomplish on its own.
Enhanced precision: Robotic technology allows for highly precise movements, including adjustable motion-scaling. It also eliminates the natural tremor of the human hand, which is can be invisible to the unaided eye, but noticeable under high magnification.
Improved visualization: High-definition monitoring offers an unprecedented level of stable viewing at extreme magnification. The da Vinci® surgical system also provides three-dimensional visualization, giving surgeons depth perception to guide them during delicate procedures.