During a robotic surgical procedure, the surgeon sits in the system console a few feet away from the patient. The physician looks through the vision system—like a pair of binoculars—inside the patient’s body. The system provides a 3-dimensional view of the surgical site with magnification 10 times that of the naked eye.

The surgeon moves the handles on the console to control the robot’s arms holding the surgical instruments. These handles make precise movements easier, reduce surgeon fatigue and remove the risk of unsteadiness or shaking. Palmetto General Hospital is equipped with the da Vinci® Surgical System/da Vinci® SI™ System, introduced in 2009.

The da Vinci Surgical System makes it possible for surgeons to perform complex, delicate procedures through key-hole sized with unmatched precision. The system of computerized robotic "hands" mirror the natural motions of traditional surgeon.

The system allows our surgeons to operate with extreme precision and accuracy and gives our surgeons:

• Four arms
• 3-dimensional vision
• Enhanced dexterity
• No risk of tired arms or shaking hands

The robotic "hands" can do surgical tasks beyond the capabilities of human hands or the laparoscope. In addition to handling complicated surgical tasks through very small incisions, the jointed-wrist instruments exceed the natural range of motion of the human hand. Guided by the computer, the surgeon can use these instruments to operate with precise movements. After the initial incision, only the robotic hands touch the patient.

Robotic surgery goes beyond traditional open surgery and even laparoscopy, placing a computer between the surgeon's hands and electromechanically-enhanced, micro instruments.

Minimally invasive surgeries are done through small incisions rather than large incisions that may cut across large areas of tissue. Often special instruments and visualization are needed.

When procedures are performed through small incisions, there is less bleeding, pain, risk of infection, recovery times and shorter hospital stays. Patients return more quickly to normal living. Some studies show improved clinical results for robotic surgery.

For what procedures is the system used?

Urological, gynecological, general and other surgeries are performed at Palmetto General Hospital. Minimally invasive prostatectomy and hysterectomy are common robotic-assisted procedures.

The da Vinci® Surgical System was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2000, making it the first robotic system allowed inside American operating rooms. There are extensive clinical studies of the effectiveness and patient benefits of this robotic surgical system.