The da Vinci Xi® Makes Even Complex Procedures Easier
September 4, 2020
Corona Regional now offers robotic-assisted surgical procedures using the advanced da Vinci Xi® Surgical System. This technology can enable greater precision and provide benefits such as lower risk of infection, shorter hospital stays and reduced trauma to the body.
Medical Director of Robotic Surgery, Massimo Arcerito, MD, explains that with robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon sits at a console next to the patient and controls tiny instruments that are inserted into the body through small incisions. "The da Vinci Xi is equipped with expanded features, such as wristed instruments that bend and rotate with greater range of motion than the human hand, and enhanced 3D-HD visualization to provide magnified views inside the body," he says.
Advantages of Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is minimally invasive, even for the most complex procedures. The precise incisions may allow for less post-operative pain, reduced blood loss and a faster recovery time. Drawbacks of conventional laparoscopy (without robotic instruments) are that it relies on the use of rigid, hand-held instruments and visualization is provided by a standard 2D video monitor rather than a 3D field. Conventional laparoscopic is also performed with small incisions, but depth of field, dexterity and precision varies by surgeon. "A regular scope is straight and rigid, but with the robot, we can get the right tools into the smallest places," he says.
The Role in Surgical Oncology
When it comes to oncology, Dr. Arcerito says the precision of the robotic platform enables the surgical oncologist to remove the tumor, along with additional tissue, like more lymph nodes, as compared with open surgery. "The extra tissue helps the pathology lab categorize the stage of disease, which allows changes in postoperative treatment," he says. "We also use a special injection prior to the surgery, which aids in mapping the lymph nodes and blood supply. It also helps to identify bile ducts during a gallbladder removal. It has many applications for increasing the effectiveness of the robotic surgery."
The daVinci XI is currently being used for general surgery, gynecology and urology procedures. While there are advantages to this minimally invasive technology, not everyone is a candidate for robotic surgery. "Every patient is different, and so is their health condition. It's very important for patients to consult with their surgeon about the right procedure for them, as some patients may require traditional surgery," says Dr. Arcerito.
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you.