Da Vinci Surgery

Overview

A da Vinci surgical procedure involves the utilization of the da Vinci Surgical System, which consists of four slender robotic arms, to carry out the surgery. The robotic instruments have a wider range of motion compared to the human hand, enabling surgeons to perform a variety of surgical procedures using this advanced technology.

The apparatus consists of three distinct components:

• Control or console center. Your surgeon uses hand and foot controls and a magnified, high-definition, three-dimensional image while operating from a console unit while seated.
• Patient cart. The camera and surgical instruments are stored on the cart.
• Vision cart. The doctor in the room can view what’s happening during the procedure thanks to the video screen on this cart.

In order to become proficient using the da Vinci Surgical System, surgeons must complete additional training.

Procedures performed with a da Vinci surgery

Numerous surgical procedures can be performed with the da Vinci Surgical System. Not every variety is offered in every hospital or in every nation, either. Find out from your doctor whether this device will be used by your surgeon. Surgical options include:

Head and neck surgeries:

• Cancers

Chest surgeries:

• Cancers

Cardiac surgeries:

• Coronary artery bypass
• Mitral valve repair

Gynecology surgeries:

• Cancers
• Pelvic pain
• Fibroids
• Hysterectomy
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Incompetent Cervix
• Incontinence procedures
• Hemorrhage in the abdomen

Urology surgeries:

• Cancers
• Prostate enlargement
• Benign tumors

Colorectal surgeries:

• Rectal prolapse
• Colorectal cancer
• Diverticulitis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Large intestinal abscesses, obstructions, and ruptures.

General abdomen and digestive tract surgeries:

• Gallbladder disorder
• Liver disorder
• Stomach disorder
• Pancreas disorder
• Intestinal problems

The availability of the da Vinci surgical system is limited to certain countries. To determine whether the surgeons they work with utilize this technology, please consult your doctor.

Risks

In any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks, including potential issues such as bleeding and anesthesia-related reactions. However, the da Vinci procedure carries two specific risks:

• The surgery lasts longer than the usual.
• The procedure can end up costing you more than a standard procedure. Discuss expenses with the billing department of your hospital.

Before the procedure

The preparation for a da Vinci procedure is akin to that of an open procedure. It is essential to inquire with your doctor about the specific preparations required for the type of surgery you will be undergoing.

During the procedure

The duration of a da Vinci surgery under general anesthesia varies based on the specific procedure. On average, da Vinci surgeries tend to take approximately one hour longer than traditional open surgeries.

In the case of a hysterectomy, a procedure involving the removal of the uterus, the surgeon makes four or five small incisions instead of a single long one. Robotic surgical instruments are then inserted through these small openings, and from the console, the surgeon utilizes controls to skillfully perform the organ removal.

After the procedure

The duration of your hospital stay will be determined by the nature of your surgery and your doctor’s recommendations. Research suggests that patients who undergo a da Vinci procedure may often be discharged on the same day and typically experience a shorter hospital stay. It’s worth noting that da Vinci procedures, despite requiring more time and resources, have a comparable success rate to open surgeries.

Outcome

Recovery time from da Vinci surgery varies depending on the specific procedure undergone. It is crucial to consult with your healthcare providers to gain insights into the expected duration of your individual healing process. Regular attendance at follow-up appointments is essential for monitoring progress and addressing any concerns that may arise. If you notice signs of infection such as redness, swelling, drainage, or tenderness at the incision site, it’s imperative to seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, experiencing a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, or encountering excessive bleeding, necessitates immediate consultation with a healthcare provider to ensure a smooth and complication-free recovery.