Some of the most exciting advances in medicine involve the use of robotic surgery, or computer-assisted surgery. In this minimally invasive technique, the surgeon sits at a computer station allowing him or her to see enlarged, 3D images of the body. The robotic system translates the doctor’s hand movements to control the instruments during surgery. These instruments can move through smaller incisions with greater precision.
Rio Grande Regional Hospital offers minimally invasive robotic surgery. Minimally invasive robotic surgery can replace large-incision surgeries (open surgery) with a minimally invasive approach that results in less pain, smaller scars, minimal blood loss and faster recovery time when compared to traditional surgical techniques. Rio Grande Regional Hospital is proud to offer the latest in robotic technology to adult patients in the Rio Grande Valley.
Robotic Surgery Procedures
Rio Grande Regional Hospital uses the robotic system for a broad range of conditions and surgical specialties including:
- Abdominal surgery - appendectomy, gallbladder, hernias, gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD)
- Bariatric surgery - laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure
- Colorectal surgery - tumors, inflammatory bowel disease
- Gynecological surgery – hysterectomy (including single-site hysterectomy), myomectomy, endometrial resection
- Urology surgery – prostatectomy and other urological procedures
Procedures that are not performed robotically may still qualify for laparoscopic surgery (LS). LS, also called band-aid or keyhole surgery, is a minimally invasive surgery that only requires small incisions.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery has improved many surgical procedures because it offers the surgeon better precision and control. Robotic surgery translates into faster healing, less scarring and a shorter hospital stay for the patient. Traditional surgical methods typically use 6- to 12-inch incisions. The robotic system uses dime-sized incisions to produce the same or better results. A single-site incision is now possible for certain surgeries, and in some cases, the incision can be hidden inside the navel, for a totally scar-free appearance.
The robotic system's features include:
- Enhanced high-definition 3D vision for precision control of surgical instruments
- Lets surgeons perform delicate and complex operations using only a few small incisions
- Dual surgeon-console capability to support training and collaboration during minimally invasive surgery
Our dedicated team is trained in the latest use of robotics for many surgical procedures, including hysterectomies and gallbladder surgeries.
Single Site Surgery
Depending on the patient’s circumstances, many robotic surgeries can be done using a single incision. Called single-site surgery, the tiny incision (usually through the belly button) means little to no scars, less risk of infection and shorter recovery time.
Each patient (and surgery) is different, but many hysterectomies and gastrointestinal (GI) procedures can be performed as single-site surgery.
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See if your surgeon has privileges at Rio Grande Regional Hospital (or find one who does). Looking for a specialist or primary care provider? Please call (956) 661-3110.