Surgery, Robotic-Assisted
Robotic Surgery at Marion Health
The da Vinci 5 Surgical System® helps our experienced surgeons operate with precision. For you, this can mean less pain, fewer complications, and a faster recovery than standard surgical procedures.
What is robotic-assisted surgery?
Robot-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive type of operation. It uses special tools to help your doctor perform the procedure with precision.
Instead of one big incision, your surgeon makes a few tiny openings. Then your surgeon utilizes a control panel to guide the robotic arms to perform the surgical procedure. A special 3D camera gives your surgeon a clear, close-up look inside your body.
Even though we use the word "robot," the system never works by itself. Your surgeon is always in charge. This technology allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures safely with assistance from the robotic arms to ensure precision throughout the surgery.
What are the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery?
Robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci 5 System has many benefits. Some of them can improve your surgical outcomes and decrease your recovery time.
The da Vinci 5 System is flexible. Our surgeons use it for many different types of operations. These include general surgery, women's health (gynecology), and urinary tract/ kidney care (urology).
Surgeons only make a few small incisions. This often means less pain and smaller scars than traditional open surgeries.
Small incisions and very exact movements help patients heal more quickly than traditional open surgeries.
Many patients can get back to work, school, and their daily life sooner.
Keep in mind that results may be different for every patient. Your surgeon will help you know if robotic surgery is the best option for you based on your medical condition and history.
Is robotic surgery safe?
Yes. Robotic surgery is a very safe and effective surgery. It is used in many hospitals all over the country. The da Vinci 5 System has the stamp of approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Millions of people around the world have had this type of surgery.
During every operation, your surgeon is in full control—the system cannot move on its own.
As with any operation, there are small risks. Your surgeon will talk to you about all the risks and benefits of robot-assisted surgery. This will allow you and your care team to determine what type of surgery is best for your medical needs.
Is robotic-assisted surgery an option for me?
Robotic-assisted surgery is not the right fit for every patient or every operation. However, for many people, it is a very good choice.
Consulting with your healthcare provider will help determine if this method of surgical procedure is right for your health needs and what you want to achieve. At Marion Health, you have access to experienced surgeons who have special training on the da Vinci 5 system. They are ready to help you identify the best surgical approach to meet your individualized medical needs.
Find out if surgery with the da Vinci 5 is right for you.
Marion Health accepts referrals to its surgical team from many healthcare providers. Talk to your doctor to request a referral to find out whether robotic surgery is an option for you.
What Is Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy, and How Can It Help Me?
Marion Health is proud to offer Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy, an advanced robotic-assisted technology from Intuitive that helps physicians evaluate suspicious lung nodules with greater precision. As part of our robotic-assisted surgery program, the Ion platform complements the advanced technology behind the da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical system, allowing our specialists to diagnose lung conditions using a minimally invasive approach.
Unlike traditional surgical biopsies, Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy uses an ultra-thin, flexible robotic catheter that travels through your body's natural airways to reach small or difficult-to-access areas of the lungs. Before your procedure, your physician uses a CT scan to create a detailed 3D map of your airways. During the procedure, the robotic system provides precise navigation to help your physician reach and biopsy suspicious lung nodules with confidence.
Benefits of Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy
Patients may benefit from Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy because it offers:
- A minimally invasive approach that requires no external incisions
- The ability to reach small or difficult-to-access lung nodules
- Advanced robotic navigation for enhanced precision during biopsy
- Earlier diagnosis of suspicious lung nodules, when appropriate
- An outpatient procedure for many patients, allowing them to return home the same day
- A collaborative approach between pulmonology, radiology, oncology, and thoracic surgery to guide the next steps in care, if needed.
Who May Need an Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy?
Your physician may recommend an Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy if imaging such as a chest CT scan identifies a lung nodule or other area that requires further evaluation. While many lung nodules are noncancerous, obtaining a tissue sample is often the best way to determine the cause and, if necessary, begin treatment as early as possible.
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