da Vinci Si Surgical System

The da Vinci Si Surgical System for robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to provide the patient with added benefits including less pain, minimal scarring and shorter recovery times.  Currently used for gynecological and general surgery procedures at Good Shepherd, the da Vinci System allows specially trained surgeons to perform the surgeries previously performed in an open fashion with better results using the advanced imaging and robotic technology. 

With da Vinci, small incisions are used to introduce miniaturized, wristed instruments and a high-definition 3D camera. During the procedure, the surgeon is seated at a console beside the operating room table while viewing a magnified, high-resolution 3D image of the surgical site.

During the procedure the surgeon operates from the console while the robotic and computer technologies translate hand movements into precise movements of the da Vinci instruments. Even though the surgeon is at the console, he or she is still in control of the system. The robot needs the direction of the surgeon because it cannot make decisions or movements on its own.  But the robot allows surgeons to perform delicate and precise maneuvers inside the body that weren’t possible before.

The da Vinci Si System is the latest generation of the da Vinci System with high-definition image quality and improved surgical capabilities. What makes our system more advanced? The difference between the Si model and the older models is much like the difference between a 1992 Ford truck and a 2012 Mercedes. Both models will get you from Point A to Point B, but the Mercedes provides a smoother ride, better control, enhanced technology, but most importantly, improved safety for the patient.  The da Vinci system is just one more way that Good Shepherd stands out as Longview’s leader in medical and surgical care.

The da Vinci Si Surgical System for robotic-assisted surgery is the latest advancement in the da Vinci line of surgical robots. The System seamlessly and precisely translates the surgeon’s natural hand, wrist and finger movements from controls at the computer console to the robotic surgical instruments inside the body. The surgeon views the surgical field through a high resolution, three dimensional endoscopic camera. With the assistance of a specialized surgical team stationed at the bedside, da Vinci’s robotic arm instruments are inserted into the patient through three half-inch incisions made between the ribs. Using hand controls and foot pedals to manipulate the robotic arms, the surgeon performs the delicate surgical tasks.

Using the high definition da Vinci system, surgeons are able to perform a range of surgical procedures to treat gynecological, urological and general surgery conditions. Patients who meet the criteria for robotic assisted procedures may expect added benefits including less pain, minimal scarring and shorter recovery times. 

GYNECOLOGY

If your doctor recommends hysterectomy, you may be a candidate for da Vinci Hysterectomy, one of the most effective, least invasive treatment options for a range of uterine conditions. da Vinci Hysterectomy is performed using the da Vinci™ Si Surgical System, which enables surgeons to perform with unmatched precision and control – using only a few small incisions.

For most patients, da Vinci Hysterectomy can offer numerous potential benefits over traditional approaches to vaginal, laparoscopic or open abdominal hysterectomy, particularly when performing more challenging procedures like radical hysterectomy for gynecologic cancer. Potential benefits include:

  • Significantly less pain
  • Less blood loss
  • Fewer complications
  • Less scarring
  • A shorter hospital stay
  • A faster return to normal daily activities

Additionally, da Vinci provides the surgeon with a superior surgical tool for dissection and removal of lymph nodes during cancer operations, as compared to traditional open or minimally invasive approaches.1 da Vinci Hysterectomy also allows your surgeon better visualization of anatomy, which is especially critical when working around delicate and confined structures like the bladder. This means that surgeons have a distinct advantage when performing a complex, radical hysterectomy involving adhesions from prior pelvic surgery or non-localized cancer, or an abdominal hysterectomy. 2

As with any surgery, these benefits cannot be guaranteed, as surgery is both patient- and procedure-specific. While radical hysterectomy or abdominal hysterectomy performed using the da Vinci Surgical System are considered safe and effective, these procedures may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.

The da Vinci Si Surgical System is beneficial for most OB/GYN procedures. Ask your doctor today if you qualify for a da Vinci procedure, or contact the Healthy Hotline at (903) 315-4747 for more information.

 GENERGAL SURGERY

Many surgeries carry risks, but traditional open surgery with a large incision has significant drawbacks – pain, trauma, a long recovery and risk of infection. Fortunately, less invasive surgical options are often available. The most common is conventional laparoscopic surgery. With this approach, your surgeon uses small incisions to insert an extended camera and tools to operate on the targeted organ or tissue. With only a few days of recovery time, laparoscopic surgery is effective and sometimes the best route for the patient’s specific needs. Good Shepherd’s general surgeons use laparoscopic for operations within the abdominal or pelvic cavities.

General surgery at Good Shepherd is also performed via the da Vinci Si Surgical System. Depending on the patient’s needs the robot-assisted surgery could be an option. Good Shepherd’s general surgeons have been specially trained on the da Vinci system for gallbladder removal procedures. With da Vinci robotic gallbladder removal, surgeons are able to operate with better precision and control. Benefits include less pain, minimal blood loss, fewer complications, quicker recovery time and small incisions for minimal scarring.

Whether the patient chooses laparoscopic surgery or robot-assisted surgery, the general surgeons at Good Shepherd are here to serve you and to make the right decision with you that best benefits your needs. For more information about general surgery, contact the Healthy Hotline at (903) 315-4747.