Robotic Surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery may offer several benefits for patients, including:
- Faster recovery and return to normal daily living activities
- Less blood loss
- Less pain and scarring post-surgery
- Lower risk of infection
- Less time in the hospital than people who have traditional “open” surgeries
Once your insurance approves your surgery, it will be covered if your surgeon uses the robotic surgical system as well. The robot is simply a tool used by your surgeon to improve the outcome for your surgery.
Procedures
General Surgery
Some general surgery procedures can now be performed as robotic-assisted surgery. At Northwest Healthcare, these procedures include cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), hernia repair and colorectal surgery for benign and malignant tumors. Depending on the individual, robotic-assisted cholecystectomy may be performed using just one incision through the belly button, making the surgery virtually scarless. Robotic-assisted surgery gives your surgeon a 3D high definition view of your anatomy for enhanced visualization, precision, dexterity and control. General surgery procedures are performed through one-to-two centimeter incisions.
Hysterectomy
Traditionally, open gynecologic surgery, using a large incision for access to the uterus and surrounding anatomy, has been the standard approach to hysterectomy. This procedure is typically associated with significant post-surgical pain, a long recovery process and an a threat to surrounding organs and nerves.
For complex hysterectomies and other gynecological procedures, robotic surgery may be the least invasive treatment option. Through tiny, 1-2 cm incisions, surgeons using robot-assisted surgical platform can operate with greater precision and control, minimizing the pain and risk associated with large incisions while increasing the likelihood of a fast recovery and better clinical outcomes.
Kidney Surgery*
If you need surgery for a kidney condition, you may be a candidate for robotic surgery. This type of minimally invasive surgery can decrease operation time and complications as well as avoiding the need for cystoscopy.
Robotic-Assisted Lung Biopsy
Northwest Healthcare offers robotic-assisted technology to treat lung cancer, which allows us to catch the disease at an earlier stage – when it’s much easier to treat.
Using this tool, we can look at the smallest nodule or mass even within the deepest layers of the lung, perform a high-quality tissue biopsy, reach a diagnosis and, if the suspicious area is the beginning of lung cancer, pinpoint the stage it has reached. All this may be done during one brief, minimally-invasive procedure, and can lead into a discussion of a range of treatment options. These could include surgery, chemotherapy, radiology or a combination.
Prostatectomy*
Traditionally, open urologic surgery – in which large incisions are made to access the pelvic organs – has been the standard approach to prostatectomy. This procedure is typically associated with significant post-surgical pain, a lengthy recovery and an unpredictable, potentially long-term impact on continence and sexual function.
Robotic surgery provides a minimally invasive approach to prostatectomy, in an effort to reduce pain and recovery time.
Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement
A robotic arm is used as a tool to assist the surgeon. The robotic arm technology helps the surgeon attain a new level of precision during surgery by using a 3D model to precisely plan the surgery based on your unique anatomy.
- Total knee
- Total hip
- Partial knee resurfacing
Learn more here.
*Offered at Northwest Medical Center only. All others are offered at Northwest Medical Center, Northwest Medical Center Houghton and Oro Valley Hospital.
Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks and benefits of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation.