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.