Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is performed using mechanical arms that are controlled by the surgeon. Surgical instruments and a camera are used to help avoid the need for large incisions. Robotic surgery enables surgeons to perform surgery with greater visualization, enhanced dexterity and greater precision.

While both robotic surgery and traditional laparoscopic surgery (without the use of a robotic system) are minimally invasive procedures, robotic surgery does not rely on the use of rigid, hand-held instruments and standard 2D video like conventional laparoscopy does. The surgeon's depth of field, dexterity and precision may be impacted in laparoscopic procedures.

Surgeons at Temecula Valley Hospital perform general and thoracic robotic surgery. This includes procedures such as inguinal hernia surgery, cholecystectomy, colon resection and cardiothoracic surgery.

The da Vinci® Xi Robotic Surgical System

Surgeons at Temecula Valley Hospital use the da Vinci® Xi Robotic Surgical System, an advanced robotic platform that enables them to perform complex procedures using a minimally invasive approach. Surgeons at Temecula Valley Hospital use the da Vinci system to perform general surgery as well as thoracic surgery.

Watch the arrival of the da Vinci Xi robot!

The system consists of several parts: an ergonomic surgeon's console, a patient-side cart with four interactive robotic arms, a high-performance 3D HD vision system and the system's EndoWrist® instruments. The da Vinci system helps translate a surgeon's hand movements into precise movements of the EndoWrist instruments.

The da Vinci system can provide a range of benefits over conventional laparoscopy. During laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon operates while standing, using hand-held instruments that have no mechanical wrists. The surgeon must also look away from the instruments to a nearby video monitor to see an image of the patient's anatomy. In contrast, the da Vinci system's ergonomic design allows surgeons to operate from a comfortable, seated position at the console, with their eyes and hands positioned in line with the instruments. To move the instruments or to reposition the camera, the surgeon simply move their hands.

By providing surgeons with greater visualization, enhanced dexterity, greater precision and ergonomic comfort, the da Vinci Surgical system makes it possible for more surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures involving complex dissection or reconstruction.

Potential Benefits of Robotic Surgery

Minimally invasive robotic surgery at Temecula Valley Hospital can provide a wide range of benefits to patients compared to traditional surgery. These include:*

• Quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay
• Fewer complications and less risk of infection
• Quicker return to normal daily activities
• Significantly less pain after surgery
• Less scarring: Small, dime-sized incisions versus a six- to eight-inch scar
• Less blood loss and reduced need for blood transfusions

Candidates for Robotic Surgery

Not all procedures can be done robotically, and not all patients are candidates for procedures that can be performed robotically. Only your surgeon can decide if your procedure can be performed robotically.

*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 or minimally invasive surgery are right for you.