Robotic Surgery

Enhanced visualization is possible because of the optics within the surgeon console and endoscope. Together they provide the surgeon with a highly magnified three-dimensional high-definition (3DHD) image. With this enhanced visualization and accurate depth perception, the surgeon can see clearer anatomical planes and structures.

The EndoWrist technology enables surgeons to have fully wristed dexterity with a minimally invasive approach. These wristed robotic instruments were inspired and designed to mimic the human hand, but offer a greater range of motion enabling surgeon precision.

The system seamlessly adjusts hand-to-instrument ratios, and tremor reduction further enhances the fingertip control. The stable ergonomic platform in the system virtually eliminates physiologic tremor. This along with the advanced visualization and dexterity of the wristed instruments, surgeons are able to reach intricate areas without the need to manipulate large areas of surrounding tissue. This provides the surgeon with greater precision, flexibility, and control.

• Hysterectomies
  • If your benign gynecological condition (i.e. uterine fibroids, benign tumors, chronic pelvic pain, abnormal/heavy bleeding, and uterine prolapse) is unable to be treated with non-invasive modalities, you and your surgeon may decide on a robotic-assisted hysterectomy.
  • A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. The surgeon may also decide to remove your cervix, tubes, and ovaries at this time. A robotic-assisted hysterectomy is a minimally invasive technique, which allows the surgeon to use the robotic instruments to free the uterus from surrounding tissues and remove it through the vagina. The vaginal cuff/opening is then closed with absorbable suture.
  • What to expect

• Sleeve Gastrectomy
• Gastric Bypass
• Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S)
• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

• Robotic Assisted Hernia Repairs
  • A hernia occurs when there is weakening in the muscles in the abdominal wall and tissue, or a portion of the intestines, protrudes through the muscle layer. Many surgeons recommend surgical repair of a hernia to prevent complications, such as strangulation of the intestines.
  • Inguinal Hernias
    • Inguinal hernias occur when the abdominal muscles in the lower abdomen, explicitly in the inguinal canal, weaken through strain or stress. This allows a small portion of the intestines, or tissue, to extend through the weakened area. Inguinal hernia repairs are common surgical procedures.
    • How long will it take?
      • A robotic inguinal hernia repair typically takes anywhere from 1.5hrs to 4hrs, depending on the hernia.
    • When do you go home?
      • This will be a decision between you and your surgeon, but typically, patients go home the same day after a robotic-assisted repair.
  • Umbilical Hernias
    • An umbilical hernia occurs when a weakened area in your abdominal muscles near the umbilicus (belly button) allow a small portion of your intestines to extend through. Umbilical hernias are common and normally harmless, but if they become tender, painful, or discolored, surgical intervention can be required.
    • Anatomical position for mesh placement will be decided by you and your physician; however, typical areas include onlay, inlay, sublay- retromuscular, sublay- preperitoneal, and sublay- intraperitoneal.
    • At Hannibal Regional, we are able to provide minimally invasive, advanced techniques, such as the extraperitoneal (eTEP) approach for umbilical hernias. The eTep approach allows the surgeon to repair the hernia and place the mesh between the layers of the abdominal wall in the retromuscular space without needing to enter the peritoneal cavity. By rebuilding the abdominal wall and restoring normal anatomy through this approach, the mesh never comes into contact with the stomach contents including itestines, reducing the patient’s risk for recurrence, mesh-related complications, and surgical site events. Using the robot allows for enhanced vision and dexterity, making it possible for our surgeons to repair large, complex hernias in a small space, such as eTep. Thus, allowing our patients to get back to better sooner.
    • How long will it take?
      • A robotic inguinal hernia repair typically takes anywhere from 1.5hrs to 4hrs, depending on the hernia.
    • When do you go home?
      • This will be a decision between you and your surgeon, but typically, patients go home the same day after a robotic-assisted repair.
  • Ventral Hernias
    • A ventral hernia occurs at any location along the midline of the abdominal wall. The three areas for ventral hernias include:
      • Epigastric hernia: Occurs in various locations from the breast bone to the belly button.
      • Umbilical hernia: Occurs near the belly button and is the most common ventral hernia
      • Incisional hernia: Occurs at a site of a previous surgery, such as the site of a scar. These can occur any time after surgery, from months to years.
      • The robotic approach to repair these hernias will vary depending on the location of the hernia.
  • Paraesophageal Hernias /Hiatal Hernias
    • A Hiatal hernia occurs when part, or all, of the stomach protrude the muscle (diaphragm) that separates your abdomen and chest.
    • Small hiatal hernias may go unnoticed, but a large hiatal hernia can let food and acid to go back up into the esophagus. Patients may experience heartburn, chest pain, bloating, belching, difficulty swallowing, food backing up into the mouth, or shortness of breath. Large hiatal hernias may require a surgical repair.
    • Robotic-assisted hiatal hernia repair is a minimally invasive approach that allows the patient to recover sooner. With this technique, a patient can resume normal activities in 2-3 weeks, compared to the typical 6-8 weeks of an open repair.
  • Robotic-Assisted Cholecystectomy
    • A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder.
      • Patients with a problematic, dysfunctional gall bladder (i.e. gallstones, inflammation, polyps) may experience pain, nausea, or vomiting, indicating the need for removal.
      • A robotic-assisted cholecystectomy allows patients to have their gallbladders removed minimally invasive resulting in minimal pain, less blood loss, quick recovery, and most patients go home the same day.

• Prostatectomy: Before with an open approach, men were more concerned about the possibility of incontinence or sexual dysfunction after surgery. However, the daVinci optics offer a three-dimensional, high definition, magnified image that allows for identification of surrounding structures and muscle greatly reducing the risk of damage to these areas. The prostate is eventually removed through one of the small incisions on the abdomen.
• Kidneys: Surgical removal of all or part of the kidney is the standard of care for patients with renal tumors. Choosing a minimally invasive approach decreases the risk of complications while allowing the patient’s to have less pain and a faster recovery.