The da Vinci® Surgical System is arguably the most significant innovation of modern medicine. Using robotic technology, da Vinci surgery allows providers to perform complicated procedures after making just a few minor incisions. Since the approach is still fairly new, though, many patients are unfamiliar with this option. Here are four questions that medical providers often hear about this type of surgery. 

FAQ on da Vinci Surgery

What is da Vinci surgery?

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000, the da Vinci Surgical System uses a computerized console to translate a surgeon’s hand motions into more precise movements performed by interactive robotic arms. These arms have a much greater range of motion than the human hand, and they aren’t vulnerable to muscle spasms, tremors, or involuntary ticks. With ergonomic design, enhanced dexterity, and total precision, the system allows surgeons to make fewer incisions and operate on a much smaller area of the body. 

What kinds of procedures can the da Vinci Surgical System perform?

The da Vinci system has been approved for use in performing gynecologic laparoscopic procedures like tubal sterilizations and hysterectomies. Minor laparoscopic surgeries may also be used to diagnose and treat conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, cysts, ectopic pregnancies, and pelvic floor disorders. 

What are the advantages of da Vinci surgery over more traditional approaches?

Patients who undergo robot-assisted procedures can anticipate smaller incisions, and fewer of them. They’ll enjoy a faster recovery time, require a much shorter hospital stay, and have a lower risk of post-surgical complications like infection. Scarring will also be minimal. 

Are there risks of robotic surgery?

Though generally safe, this procedure is still a type of surgery, and all surgeries carry some level of risk. The most likely complications will depend on the particular procedure in question and the patient’s health prior to the operation. Your provider can explain the various risks so you can decide whether this approach is right for you. 

The expert team at Genesee Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology in Rochester, NY, is proud to be a leader in the field of women’s health care. Whether you’re trying to become pregnant or need help managing the symptoms of menopause, you can turn to their gynecologists for comprehensive care in a warm and welcoming setting. Patients at all stages of life can take advantage of their vast array of state-of-the-art services, including da Vinci surgery. To schedule an appointment, fill out the request form on their website or call (585) 232-3210.