Robotically-Assisted Surgery
At the frontier of minimally invasive surgery is robotically-assisted surgery. Whether treating acid reflux, hernias, colorectal symptoms, cancer or obesity, each of our talented surgeons has achieved expert-level skills in the use of robotics to perform surgeries more accurately and with decreased recovery time, less pain and improved clinical outcomes.
Leaders in Minimally Invasive Robotically-Assisted Surgeries
UT MIST surgeons are not just at the leading edge of robotically-assisted surgery. We teach other surgeons how to use it. Every day, top surgeons from all over the world receive training from us in our simulation labs on using the latest in robotically-assisted surgery equipment and procedures.
Our surgeons are also leading the way with innovative techniques that form the basis for the advanced surgical procedures of tomorrow. We have developed proprietary techniques for treating acid reflux and we do more robotically-assisted weight loss surgeries than anyone else in the world. We’re even pushing the envelope of a new “single incision” robotically-assisted surgical technique for treating obesity. Dr. Erik Wilson, who leads UT MIST and is associate professor of surgery and director of the Division of Elective General Surgery at The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) Medical School, is the president of the Clinical Robotic Surgery Association (CRSA).
The da Vinci® Surgical System is state-of-the-art robotic technology. The System allows your surgeon’s hand movements to be scaled, filtered and translated into precise movements of micro-instruments within the operative site. The magnified, three-dimensional view the surgeon experiences enables him to perform precise surgery in complex procedures through small surgical incisions.
What is Robotically-Assisted Surgery?
Robotically-assisted surgery is a new category of minimally invasive surgery that is an advancement over traditional laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery), all of which are alternatives to open surgery. Through the use of the da Vinci® Surgical System, UT MIST surgeons offer minimally invasive options for complex surgical procedures with even greater precision and less recovery time.
The use of robotics in surgery generally allows for the smallest of incisions and offers the potential for significantly less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster return to normal daily activities – as well as the potential for better clinical outcomes.
UT MIST surgeons use the da Vinci® Surgical System’s sophisticated robotic platform designed to expand the surgeon’s capabilities. Small incisions are used to introduce miniaturized instruments and a high-definition 3D camera into the surgical site. Seated comfortably next to the patient at a console, the surgeon views a magnified, high-resolution 3D image of the surgical site.
At the same time, state-of-the-art robotic and computer technologies scale, filter and seamlessly translate your surgeon’s hand movements into precise micro-movements of the robotically controlled instruments. The da Vinci® Surgical System cannot be programmed, nor can it make decisions on its own. Rather, the system requires that every surgical maneuver be performed with direct input from the surgeon.
Types of Robotically-Assisted Surgery
da Vinci Surgery for Gallbladder Disease & Stones
da Vinci Surgery for Obesity
da Vinci Surgery for Stomach Cancer
Is Robotics Experimental? | Open vs. Minimally Invasive Surgery | Benefits & Risks
Contact UT MIST today to learn more about robotically-assisted surgery, our recent advancements and how this exciting capability can help you or a loved one achieve superior medical results.