Da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Surgery

What Is da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Surgery?

Da Vinci is a robotic-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 performs the operation and 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. Certain procedures may be performed through small incisions rather than one larger incision. This may mean less scarring for some patients.
• Less pain and blood loss. Compared with open surgery, a minimally invasive approach may result in less pain and blood loss for certain procedures.
• A shorter hospital stay or recovery. Some patients may spend less time in the hospital and return to everyday activities sooner than they might after open surgery.
• Surgeon-controlled vision and instrument movement. The system may help the surgeon view the surgical area and guide small instruments during the planned procedure.

How da Vinci May Be Used 

At Abrazo Health, da Vinci may be used for certain procedures in several surgical specialties. The approach that may be available depends on the procedure, your surgeon’s evaluation and the technology available at the hospital or surgical center where you receive care.

• General surgery– Includes procedures such as hernia repair, appendectomy or gallbladder removal.
• Colorectal surgery – Includes certain procedures for conditions involving the colon or rectum.
• Urology – Includes certain procedures for conditions involving the urinary tract, including prostate surgery.
• Gynecology – Includes hysterectomy, care for uterine fibroids and other gynecologic procedures.
• Thoracic surgery– May be an option for selected procedures in the chest.

Who May Be a Candidate for da Vinci Surgery? 

Da Vinci surgery may beconsidered for adults who need certain procedures and may only be recommended to eligible patients. When planning care, your surgeon will consider:

• Your condition and the reason surgery is being considered
• The procedure and whether it can be performed using a minimally invasive approach
• Your overall health, prior surgeries and other factors that may affect care
• Other nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, including their potential risks
• Your surgeon’s evaluation and training for the planned procedure

Risks and Considerations

All surgery carries potential risks. Da Vinci surgery may only be recommended to eligible patients. In some situations, your surgeon may need to use another surgical approach or make a larger incision. Your care team will review the potential benefits, risks and recovery considerations that apply to you.

What To Expect

Your care plan will be based on your condition and the procedure you need. Before surgery, your Abrazo Health care team will help you understand the preparation, the procedure and the recovery process.

Consultation and Evaluation

Your surgeon will discuss your diagnosis, treatment goals and available options. This is a time to ask whether surgery is needed, whether a minimally invasive approach may be appropriate and what benefits and risks may apply to your care.

Surgical Planning

Your surgeon will create a surgical plan based on the procedure and your health needs. Follow the instructions from your care team about eating and drinking before surgery, medications, transportation and any preoperative testing that may be needed.

Procedure Day

On the day of surgery, you will meet with your surgeon and care team before the procedure. During a da Vinci procedure, the surgeon remains in control of the system and performs the operation. Your team will explain what to expect that day and answer questions about your care.

Recovery and Follow-up

Recovery is different for every patient. It may depend on the operation, your health and whether a minimally invasive or open approach is used. Your care team will provide personalized instructions for pain management, activity, wound care and follow-up visits.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Care at Abrazo Health 

Abrazo Health offers surgical care throughout the Phoenix area, with robotic-assisted surgery available at Abrazo Arrowhead, Central, Scottsdale and West campuses. Its surgical services include minimally invasive, elective and emergency procedures, as well as care for a broad range of general surgical needs.

Abrazo surgeons use minimally invasive, laparoscopic and robot-assisted approaches in general surgery, colorectal care, urology and gynecology when appropriate. The Surgical Institute at Abrazo Scottsdale Campus also offers minimally invasive orthopedic, spine, bariatric and general surgery procedures, with robot-assisted surgery and imaging technology available. Abrazo Central has expanded its robotic surgery capacity with a second da Vinci system.