Robotic Surgery

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During robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon inserts long-handled instruments (designed to move like human hands, but with a much greater precision and range of motion) and a camera into a few small incisions. The surgeon – who is in control at all times – will see magnified, 3D images of the inside of your body on a video screen during your procedure. This kind of surgery may offer valuable 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 you might need after a traditional "open" surgery

Robotic-assisted Surgeries

Many surgeries – both general and other specialties – can be performed using robotic assistance. Robotic-assisted surgery gives your surgeon a 3D high definition view of your anatomy for enhanced visualization, precision, dexterity and control. Robotic surgery has become the standard of surgical care in many specialties and we are proud to offer this service* to patients at Northwest Healthcare.

Robotic-assisted specialty surgeries include:

General Surgery

General surgery affects vital organs in your abdomen such as the stomach, gallbladder and intestines. Hernia repair and cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) are very common conditions and are often performed through one-to-two centimeter incisions through the belly button and surrounding areas. Scarring is usually very minimal.

Colorectal

We perform specialized robotic-assisted surgeries to treat benign and malignant conditions of the colon and rectum. These conditions can range from bothersome to life threatening. Conditions treated by the colorectal team include inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, blockages, abscesses and colon cancer.

Bariatric

The bariatric surgery team at Northwest Medical Center is excited to offer robotic-assisted surgery options for weight loss. Please visit the bariatric services page to learn more about the Bariatric Center of Excellence.

Gynecologic, Urogynecologic and Urologic

At Northwest Medical Center, we provide specialized care for conditions of the female reproductive system, which includes the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina. Open gynecologic surgery - using a large incision to access the uterus and surrounding anatomy - has been the traditional approach to hysterectomy and other female-specific surgeries. An open procedure is typically associated with significant post-surgical pain, a long recovery process and danger to the surrounding organs and nerves.

Robotic surgery may be the least invasive treatment option to treat gynecologic problems such as pelvic pain, endometriosis, fibroids, abnormal bleeding, pelvic organ prolapse and gynecologic cancer. Surgeons using robot-assisted technology can operate with greater precision and control through tiny, 1-2 cm incisions. This approach can help avoid the pain and risk associated with large incisions, while increasing the likelihood of a fast recovery and better outcome.

The surgeons at Northwest Healthcare are also skilled in treating urologic conditions of the male and female urinary tract and male reproductive system. A team of urologists is trained to treat conditions affecting kidneys, bladders, prostate glands, penises and testicles, such as an enlarged prostate, benign tumors and cancers. Robotic surgery provides a minimally invasive approach to certain conditions, with the goal of pain reduction and a shorter recovery time.

Joint Replacement Surgery

During robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, your surgeon will use a robotic arm as an assistive tool in order to attain a new level of precision based on your unique anatomy. We offer:

• Total knee replacement
• Total hip replacement
• Partial knee resurfacing

Learn more here.

Lung and Thoracic Surgery

Northwest Healthcare offers robotic-assisted technology to diagnose and address lung cancer, which allows us to catch the disease at an earlier stage – when it's much easier to treat.

Using this technology, we can look at the smallest nodule or mass 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. If you are a candidate for minimally invasive, robotic-assisted thoracic surgery for lung cancer, the surgeon may opt to remove affected lung tissue, the lymph nodes surrounding it and any other diseased tissues in your chest cavity.

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.

*Please note that not all robotic-assisted surgeries are offered at all Northwest Healthcare locations.