Robotic Surgery

Valley Hospital Medical Center offers robot-assisted surgery using the da Vinci® Xi™ Robotic Surgical System. This advanced machine gives surgeons more flexibility and precision than ever before. Surgeons at Valley Hospital use the da Vinci system to perform the following procedures:

• Gynecological oncology surgery
• Urological surgery
• Colorectal surgery
• General surgery

Benefits of Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery uses minimally invasive techniques that can help create better outcomes for patients when compared to open surgery. Instead of making large incisions that accompany traditional open surgery, surgeons can use the da Vinci system to make tiny incisions in the body while they retain unobstructed access to surgical sites. In many ways, with a greater vision, precision and range of motion, the da Vinci system acts as a natural extension of a surgeon’s eyes and hands. Patients who undergo robotic surgery may benefit from:

• Reduced postoperative pain or trauma to the body
• Less blood loss and reduced need for transfusions
• Lower risk of infection or other complications
• Quicker recovery and minimal scarring
• Shorter hospital stays

How Does it Work?

Surgeons operate the da Vinci system at a computer console close to you where he controls the machine’s robotic arms. Surgeons find the optimal position for the procedure using the 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.

Are You a Candidate for Robotic Surgery?

Not all procedures can be done robotically and not all patients are candidates for robotic surgery. Talk to your physician about surgical options using the da Vinci system.