Conditions Treated With Robotic Surgery
Minimally invasive robotic surgery is a modern medical technique where surgeons use advanced robotic systems to perform complex procedures. Unlike open surgery, which requires large incisions to access internal organs, robotic surgery typically involves small “keyhole” incisions. Through these small openings, the surgeon inserts miniaturized instruments and a high-definition 3D camera. The surgeon controls the robotic arms during surgery, and these robotic systems enable greater precision and control than traditional techniques. Here’s information on what conditions are treated with robotic surgery:
Gallbladder Surgery
The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile. When gallstones form or the organ becomes inflamed, surgical removal, known as cholecystectomy, is often recommended. Traditional open surgery was the standard for years, but minimally invasive cholecystectomy offers a refined approach to this surgery.
Using Modern Techniques
By consolidating surgical entry points to one or two locations, the visible scarring is reduced once the site heals. Minimally invasive techniques offer superior incision healing compared to traditional open surgery techniques. With this method, the incisions are smaller and cause less trauma to the abdominal wall. People can return to their normal daily activities quickly with laparoscopic techniques, and they often experience less postoperative discomfort.
Improving Surgery Outcomes
Robotic surgery platforms provide surgeons with enhanced visualization and dexterity, and this high-definition view enables precise identification of the gallbladder and its surrounding structures. This enhanced view helps surgeons navigate complex internal structures carefully. The robotic instruments filter out hand tremors, which allows for steadier movements during delicate tissue dissection.
Colon Surgery
Colon surgery, or colectomy, involves removing part or all of the colon to treat conditions such as diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or colon cancer. Performing these procedures robotically allows surgeons to work in the narrow confines of the pelvis with greater ease than traditional open surgery permits. During a robotic colectomy, the surgeon removes the diseased portion of the colon and reconnects the remaining healthy sections.
The enhanced articulation of the robotic wrists makes suturing and reconstruction more precise. This precision is particularly valuable when operating deep within the pelvis, as visibility and maneuverability are often limited. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, it generally results in less blood loss and a lower risk of wound infection compared to large open incisions. Patients who undergo robotic colon surgery often experience a faster return of bowel function, which is a key milestone for hospital discharge.
Thyroid Surgery
The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck and regulates metabolism. Surgery may be required for:
- Nodules
- Goiters
- Thyroid Cancer
Traditional thyroidectomy leaves a visible scar across the front of the neck, but robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy offers a “scarless” neck option. In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the underarm (axilla) rather than the neck. The robotic arms are guided through this tunnel to access and remove the thyroid gland. This approach avoids visible scarring on the neck while allowing the surgeon to clearly visualize nerves and parathyroid glands. The robotic system’s magnification helps in preserving these delicate structures, which are key to voice function and calcium regulation.
Learn More About Robotic Surgery Benefits
Robotic surgery is a significant evolution in surgical care, offering precise treatment options for various conditions. Not everyone is a candidate for robotic procedures, but you can determine what treatments are best for you by visiting a specialist. Contact a surgeon who specializes in robotic techniques to learn more today.
