Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Robotic-assisted surgery is a form of minimally-invasive surgery that is performed through small incisions. During a da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical procedure, the surgeon sits at a console while viewing a high-definition, 3D image of the patient’s target anatomy. The surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements made at the console (outside of the surgical field) are translated into precise, real-time movement of surgical instruments attached to three or four robotic arms.

Robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than is possible with conventional techniques.

The da Vinci Surgical System is a tool that utilizes advanced, robotic, computer and optical technologies to assist your surgeon with your operation. It does not act on its own and its movements are controlled by your surgeon.

The da Vinci Surgical System has a 3D high definition (3D-HD) vision system, special instruments and computer software that allow your surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control.

The 3D-HD image is highly magnified, so your surgeon has a close-up view of the area he or she is operating on.

The da Vinci instruments have mechanical wrists that bend and rotate to mimic the movements of the human wrist – allowing your surgeon to make small, precise movements inside your body. And, da Vinci software can minimize the effects of a surgeon’s hand tremors on instrument movements.

da Vinci Surgical System

With da Vinci Surgical Systems, the surgeon sits at a Surgeon Console while viewing a high-definition, 3D image of the target anatomy. The surgeon's fingers grasp the master controls with hands and wrists naturally positioned relative to their body.

Three or four robotic arms, which hold an endoscope (camera) and surgical instruments, carry out the surgeon's commands. The System seamlessly translates the surgeon's hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, real-time movement of the surgical instruments positioned inside the patient’s body. These instruments can bend and rotate far greater than both traditional lap instruments and the human wrist. Every surgical maneuver is under the direct control of the surgeon.

During a surgical procedure, the da Vinci Vision System displays high-definition, 3D imagery to the surgeon via the Surgeon Console and to the operating room staff via the Vision Cart.

Both traditional laparoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery are forms of minimally-invasive surgery.

Traditional laparoscopic

In traditional laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon performs the procedure holding rigid instruments and views the surgical area through an endoscopic camera that is projected onto a monitor. In use, the tools move in the opposite direction of the surgeon's hands due to the pivot point design. The tools used in traditional laparoscopy have four degrees of movement.