Robotic Surgery

In 2005, Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) became the first hospital in the northwestern North Carolina area to offer state-of-the-art robotic surgical technology to patients with the da Vinci Surgical System, an innovative surgical platform designed to enable complex, minimally invasive surgery. CVMC continues to lead the way in robotics by recently becoming one of the first hospitals in the state to acquire the latest technology in the Da Vinci 5 from Intuitive in addition to already owning a Da Vinci Xi from Intuitive. These robots allow surgeons to conduct extremely precise surgical operations with a high degree of fluidity and accuracy. When compared with traditional open surgery or even laparoscopic surgery, the Da Vinci systems can result in better clinical outcomes and allow patients to return to active, productive lives more quickly. CVMC also offers robotic assisted bronchoscopies with the Intuitive Ion. This system offers the option for minimally invasive peripheral lung biopsy which allows for biopsy of smaller nodules than traditional approaches which can yield earlier results for better treatment potential and/or peace of mind.

Surgical Applications

The Da Vinci systems are currently utilized at CVMC for prostatectomy, hysterectomy, colon resection, gall bladder, appendectomy, and hernia repair surgeries. Each patient situation is unique and the decision to utilize the robot should be made by the surgeon in consultation with the patient.

How it Works

The Da Vinci Surgical System consists of an ergonomically designed surgeon’s console, a patient-side cart with four interactive robotic arms, a 3-D vision system with an endoscopic camera, and miniature surgical instruments. Powered by computer-enhanced technology, the surgeon’s hand movements at the console are scaled, filtered, and seamlessly translated into precise movements of the surgical instruments inside the patient. The technology extends the surgeons’ capabilities by providing a three-dimensional view of the operating field and improving access to the surgical site through small instrument “ports” that eliminate the need for large incisions. The system also provides full freedom of movement at its instrument tips, allowing precise operation in a closed chest, abdomen, or pelvis.

Patient Benefits

Compared to traditional open and laparoscopic surgeries, robotic surgery benefits include:

• Smaller incisions
• Reduced post-operative pain
• Shorter to no hospital stays
• Less risk of infection and other complications
• Less blood loss and transfusions
• Shorter recovery time