|
Robot-Assisted Surgery: State-of-the-art
Saratoga Hospital is one of the first in the area to acquire the acclaimed da Vinci® Surgical System. This highly advanced robotics technology offers surgeons a dramatically enhanced view of the surgical site, as well as greater precision, control and dexterity when performing delicate surgeries. The system is essentially a tool that allows surgeons to remotely maneuver surgical instruments from a console. Because it can significantly reduce the hand movement required for a procedure, the equipment is ideal for surgeries in small areas. It has been widely heralded as a boon for minimally invasive surgery.
It is currently used for prostate surgery and hysterectomies, as well as Nissan Fundoplication.
The Role of the Robot
Although we refer to the da Vinci® system as a robot, it performs no movements on its own. Every move is orchestrated by the surgeon. The robot really is a set of computer-controlled robotic arms, mounted on a cart that's positioned next to the patient. The surgeon sits comfortably at a nearby console, which provides a magnified, 3-D view of the surgical field. The console also serves as the master controller, translating the surgeon's movements to the robotic arms.
Under the surgeon's direction, the da Vinci instruments perform "micro movements" that are far more precise than human movements. The instruments also have more dexterity than human hands and a greater range of motion than the human wrist. The combination of precision, dexterity, and 3-D imaging technology enables the surgeon to perform complex surgical procedures, through incisions of less than 1 cm. As a result, patients typically experience less pain and trauma and recover more quickly.
Our Highly Skilled Team of Surgeons
Saratoga Hospital currently has 5 physicians who perform this surgery, with one, Dr. Seth Capello, being the only fellowship trained robotocist in the Capital Region
Today's surgeons are opting for minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. The advantages for the patient include less pain, less blood loss and much shorter recovery times, with minimal scarring and a quicker return to normal activities. For surgeons already skilled in minimally invasive techniques, the da Vinci® system will make procedures easier and enable more surgeons to master the technique.
Information for Patients
Information for Physicians
|
