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Surgery

Robotic Surgery

What procedures have been performed using the robotic system?

At CoxHealth, the robotic system is used to perform uterus removal (hysterectomy), radical hysterectomies, vaginal vault suspension (sacrocolpopexy), uterine fibroid removal (myomectomy), radical prostate surgery including prostatectomies, bladdar removal (cystectomy), gall bladder removal (cholecystectomy), kidney repair and removal (nephrectomy), rectal prolapse repair and rectal cancer removal.

What are the benefits of robotic surgery compared with traditional methods of surgery?

Clinical follow-up with robotic procedures performed at CoxHealth has shown that the use of small incisions eliminates scars measuring up to 10 inches or more that come with traditional surgery, as well as less blood loss and shorter hospital stays. Data from larger national studies have shown that robotic surgery may also offer less pain and shorter recovery times. As with all surgical procedures, there are some risks. Talk to your doctor to see if robotic surgery is right for you.

Is robotic surgery more expensive than traditional surgery?

In many cases, a robotic surgery procedure is less expensive since the required hospital stay is typically much shorter. This quicker recovery time also means less time away from work. Insurance may provide coverage for robotic surgery just like any other covered service. Check with your insurance company to confirm coverage.

Has robotic surgery been cleared by the FDA?

Yes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared our robotic system for a wide range of procedures.

Will robotic surgery make the surgeon unnecessary?

On the contrary, the robotic system enables surgeons to be more precise, advancing their technique and enhancing their capability in performing complex minimally invasive surgery. The system replicates the surgeon's movements in real time. It cannot be programmed, nor can it make decisions on its own to move in any way or perform any type of surgical maneuver without the surgeon's input.

While using the robotic system, can the surgeon feel anything inside the patient?

The system relays some force feedback sensations from the operative field back to the surgeon throughout the procedure. This force feedback provides a substitute for tactile sensation and is augmented by the enhanced vision provided by the high-resolution 3-D view.

Is a surgeon using the robotic system operating in "virtual reality?"

Although seated at a console a few feet away from the patient, the surgeon views an actual image of the surgical field while operating in real-time, through tiny incisions, using miniaturized, wristed instruments. At no time does the surgeon see a virtual image or program the system to perform any maneuver on its own outside of the surgeon's direct, real-time control.

SURGERY

See our pre-op patient guide.

This guide provides you with the information you need about preparing for surgery, what to expect while you're at CoxHealth, and how to continue your wellness path once you're home.

See CoxHealth's pre-op guide.
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