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Robotic Surgery

Robotic Surgery

Surgery has evolved dramatically in recent years, with an increasing number of procedures routinely performed minimally invasively, through laparoscopy. Now, technologies like the revolutionary da Vinci Xi® surgical system are taking surgery to the next level, allowing doctors to perform minimally invasive procedures with greater precision than ever before.

In robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon operates virtually from behind a console, guided by real-time imaging. The system translates the surgeon’s movements into the precise manipulation of tiny surgical instruments that have been introduced into the surgical site through a small incision.

The da Vinci Xi® is composed of three components:

  • The surgical console from which the surgeon controls the instruments based on a 3-D view of the patient’s anatomy.
  • The patient-side cart, positioned near the patient on the operating table, has four interactive robotic arms. The actual surgical instruments at the end of each robot arm are wristed and move like a human hand but with a far greater range of motion. They move in real time in response to the surgeon’s hand movements at the surgeon console.
  • The vision cart makes communication between the components of the system possible and supports the latest 3-D high-def vision system.

The da VinciXi® is equipped with Firefly technology, which uses near infra-red imaging and a tracer dye to produce exceptionally detailed imaging during surgery. For tumor surgery, the imaging reveals a tumor’s blood supply and shows a clear delineation between the tumor and healthy tissue, allowing the surgeon to operate with amazing accuracy.

Why Choose Robotic Surgery?
As Marin’s leading healthcare provider, MarinHealth has the first and only robotic program in the North Bay. This robust and versatile technology helps us achieve our goal of always operating as minimally invasively as possible. What’s more, it allows us to offer our patients the convenience of having surgery close to home rather than having to go to an academic center, where the wait lists are longer, and surgery might have to be scheduled months in advance. Our patients also have the advantage of quick, easy access to their physicians, personalized, concierge-style service, and a navigator (for cancer patients) to help them understand and prepare for their procedure.

Advantages of Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Robotic-assisted surgery has considerable advantages over traditional open procedures, including:

  • Significantly less pain
  • Fewer complications
  • Smaller scars
  • Reduced blood loss and fewer blood transfusions
  • A faster recovery and return to normal daily activities

The Fourth Generation da Vinci® Xi Surgical System

The da Vinci Xi® is a scalable technology platform designed to accommodate a range of current technologies and future innovations.

This latest generation system expands upon core da Vinci® system features (ergonomic design, wristed instruments, 3D-HD visualization, and intuitive motion) by enabling efficient access throughout the abdomen or chest. Refinements to the da Vinci Xi® include:

  • Immersive 3D-HD vision system for a highly magnified view, virtually extending the surgeon’s eyes and hands into the patient.
  • Overhead instrument arm architecture designed to provide the surgeon with anatomical access from virtually any position.
  • Simpler endoscope digital architecture for improved vision definition and clarity.
  • The ability to attach the endoscope to any arm for more flexibility in visualization.
  • Smaller, thinner arms with newly designed joints that offer a greater range of motion than ever before.
  • Longer instrument shafts that extend the surgeon’s operative reach.

The Experts Behind the Equipment

Successful robotic surgery requires extensive training, experience and skill. Without a talented surgeon controlling the equipment, robot is just a sophisticated tool. Our robotic surgeons have a wealth of experience performing hundreds of complex procedures. Many of our surgeons have trained in and even taught robotic surgery techniques at some of the nation’s top medical schools. All are certified on the da Vinci Xi® for specific procedures within their specialty.

Procedures
The da Vinci Xi® can be used for a wide range of procedures in the fields of gynecology, urology, thoracic, cardiac and general surgery.

  • General Surgery
    Robotic-assisted general surgery focuses on the contents of the abdomen. One leading-edge procedure now performed at MarinHealth Medical Center is single-site gall bladder surgery in which the gallbladder is removed through a single incision in the belly button! The result is virtually scar-less. General robotic surgeries currently available at MarinHealth Medical Center include cholecystectomy, inguinal hernia, ventral hernia, colon resection, and small bowel resection
  • Gynecology
    The da Vinci Xi®enables our surgeons to perform complicated gynecologic operations through a few tiny incisions. Gynecological procedures currently performed by our surgeons include hysterectomy, myomectomy, sacrocolpopexy, and ovarian cystectomy
  • Urology
    Robotic surgery is a very effective technique for prostatectomies and other urological procedures, as it enables very precise, delicate work. MarinHealth Medical Center surgeons are currently performing robotic prostatectomy, nephrectomy, nephroureteretomy, pyeloplasty, and cystectomy.

“Dr. Yu has my everlasting gratitude for my treatment, and his skill in robotic surgery, which was a success and has allowed me to quickly recover and return to normal living. Thank you, Dr. Yu and thank you staff for your professionalism and caring spirits.”
– Bette B.