Da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Surgery

What Is da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Surgery? 

Da Vinci is a computer-assisted system that helps trained surgeons perform certain minimally invasive procedures. Rather than one larger incision, minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions to reach the surgical area.

Your surgeon controls the system from a console in the operating room. Depending on the procedure and technology used, the surgeon may use a magnified, three-dimensional view and instruments that bend and rotate to work in smaller spaces inside the body.

Da Vinci is a surgical tool. It does not make decisions or treat your condition on its own. Your surgeon’s evaluation guides whether it is appropriate and how it is used during surgery.

Potential Benefits of da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Surgery

The potential benefits of da Vinci surgery depend on the procedure, your health and your surgeon’s evaluation. For some patients, this approach may offer:

• Smaller incisions. Some procedures may be completed through small incisions instead of one larger open incision, which may result in less scarring.
• Less pain and blood loss. Compared with open surgery, a minimally invasive approach may mean less pain and blood loss for certain procedures.
• A shorter hospital stay or recovery. Some patients may leave the hospital sooner and return to daily activities earlier than they might after open surgery.
• Surgeon-controlled vision and instrument movement. The system may help the surgeon see the surgical area and guide small instruments while performing the planned procedure.

How da Vinci May Be Used 

The minimally invasive procedureavailable to you depends on your surgeon’s evaluation and is often used for the following:

• General surgery – May include procedures involving the digestive tract, abdomen and soft tissues. At Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital, da Vinci may be used for procedures such as hernia repair, appendectomy and gallbladder removal.
• Colorectal and anorectal surgery- May include procedures for certain conditions affecting the colon, rectum or anus.
• Gynecologic surgery - May include hysterectomy and selected procedures for endometriosis, uterine fibroids or pelvic floor prolapse. Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital offers da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery for certain gynecologic procedures.
• Urologic surgery - May include certain procedures involving the urinary system.
• Bariatric surgery- May include certain weight-loss procedures at Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital.

Who May Be a Candidate for da Vinci Surgery? 

Da Vinci surgery may ormay not be appropriate for every patient or every operation.

Your surgeon will consider:

• Your diagnosis, symptoms and treatment goals
• Whether surgery is needed and whether a minimally invasive approach may be appropriate
• Your overall health, surgical history and other factors that may affect planning or recovery
• The procedure being considered
• Other nonsurgical and surgical options, along with their potential benefits and risks

Risks and Considerations 

Da Vinci surgery has potential risks and considerations, just like any surgical approach. Risks depend on the procedure, your health and other individual factors. In some cases, your surgeon may need to use another surgical technique or make a larger incision to complete the procedure.

What to Expect 

Your surgeon and care team will explain what to expect before, during and after da Vinci surgery. Preparation, the procedure itself, your hospital stay and follow-up care will depend on your condition and treatment plan.

Consultation and Evaluation

Your surgeon will review your condition, the procedure being considered and your goals for treatment. You can discuss whether surgery is needed, whether minimally invasive surgery may be an option and the potential benefits and risks of each approach.

Surgical Planning

Your care team will develop a surgical plan based on your procedure and health history. Follow the instructions you receive before surgery, including guidance about medications, eating and drinking, transportation and recovery planning.

Procedure Day

On the day of your procedure, your surgeon and care team will prepare you for surgery and answer anyremaining questions. During da Vinci surgery, your surgeon controls the system from a console as part of the planned operation.

Recovery and Follow-up

Recovery varies based on the procedure, your health and the surgical approach. Some patients may have a shorter hospital stay or return to daily activities sooner after minimally invasive surgery than after open surgery. Your care team will provide instructions for wound care, activity, medications and follow-up visits.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Care at Carondelet Health Network 

Carondelet Health Network offers traditional, minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical options for patients in Tucson and Southern Arizona. At Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital, da Vinci technology supports certain bariatric, colorectal and general surgical procedures, including hernia repair, appendectomy and gallbladder removal.

Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital has a Robotic Surgical Center and offers da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery for certain gynecologic procedures, including hysterectomies. Together, these hospital-based surgical programs help connect patients with the approach that best fits their condition, procedure and care needs.