Group of Nurses

Surgery

The FH Robotic Surgery Program

You’ve just been diagnosed with a condition requiring surgery. Until very recently your options included traditional surgery with a large open incision or laparoscopic surgery, which uses small incisions but is usually limited to very simple procedures.

Thanks to new surgical technology, there is a new kind of minimally invasive surgery that might be just right for your case. It is an effective alternative to both open and laparoscopic surgery. Through the use of robotic surgical technologies, surgeons are now able to offer a minimally invasive option for surgical procedures at Frederick Health Hospital.

What Is Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)?

MIS is surgery performed through small incisions, or operating ports, rather than large incisions. MIS techniques may result in shorter recovery times, fewer complications, reduced hospitalization costs and reduced trauma to the patient. While MIS has become standard for particular surgical procedures, it has not been widely adopted for more complex or delicate procedures.

What Is Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery?

In traditional minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon operates using rigid, hand-operated instruments, which are passed into the body through small incisions. The surgeon views the anatomy on a standard video monitor. Robotic surgery uses a programmed computer-controlled device to aid in the positioning and control of surgical instruments, enabling the surgeon to carry out more complex tasks. Robotic surgery allows the surgeon to have excellent visualization of the internal organs, improved access to the body cavity and greater surgical precision.

What Are the Benefits of Robotic Surgery?

Benefits experienced by patients may include:

  • a shorter hospital stay
  • less pain
  • less risk of infection
  • less blood loss
  • fewer transfusions
  • less scarring
  • faster recovery
  • a quicker return to normal daily activities.

None of these benefits can be guaranteed, as surgery is necessarily both patient- and procedure-specific.

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of minimally invasive robotic surgery, individual results may vary. There are no guarantees of outcome. All surgeries involve the risk of major complications. Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctors. Only your doctor can determine whether robotic surgery is appropriate for your situation.