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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about having robotic-assisted surgery at Good Samaritan and Bethesda North hospitals. As always, please check with your healthcare providers to determine their practices, guidelines and what they recommend for you.
About robotic surgery
About patient benefits
About the TriHealth robotics program
About robotic surgery
What is robotic-assisted surgery?
Robotic-assisted surgery is a method of surgery based on minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery. It addresses the limitations of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and improves surgical execution and patient outcomes. By dramatically enhancing visualization, precision, control and dexterity, robotic technology overcomes the limitations of traditional MIS or laparoscopic technology, helping physicians to perform complex surgery in a manner never before experienced.
What is the name of the equipment used in robotic-assisted surgeries?
Surgeons at TriHealth hospitals utilize the da Vinci Surgical System for robotic-assisted procedures. Made by Intuitive Surgical, the da Vinci surgical systems provide physicians with such enhanced detail and precision that they can simulate an open surgical environment while allowing operation through tiny incisions.
Does a robot actually perform the operation?
No, although the general term “robotic surgery” sometimes is used to refer to this technology. Devices for robotic surgery are designed to perform entirely autonomous movements after being programmed by a surgeon. The da Vinci Surgical System cannot be programmed or make decisions on its own.
What are the benefits for surgeons who perform robotic-assisted surgery?
Some of the major benefits experienced by surgeons using the da Vinci Surgical System over traditional approaches have been greater surgical precision, increased range of motion, improved dexterity, enhanced visualization and improved access.
Will robotic-assisted surgery make surgeons unnecessary?
No. Robotic-assisted surgery enables surgeons to be more precise, advancing their technique and enhancing their capability in performing complex minimally invasive surgery. The da Vinci Surgical System replicates the surgeon’s movements in real time and cannot function without the surgeon’s input.
How does the surgeon control the da Vinci Surgical System?
The surgeon operates while seated at a console and sees true-to-life three-dimensional images of the operative field. The surgeon’s fingers grasp the master controls below the display, with hands and wrists naturally positioned relative to his or her eyes. The surgeon’s commands are executed via the patient-side cart, where four robotic arms and specially designed instruments translate the surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements into real-time movements inside the patient.
What happens if there is a complication during a robotic-assisted surgery?
Though chances of this occurring are slim, if the da Vinci Surgical System mechanically fails during surgery or the procedure becomes too difficult to perform robotically, surgeons can easily transition to and complete the procedure with either conventional laparoscopic or open surgery.
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About patient benefits
What are the patient benefits associated with robotic-assisted surgery?
With robotic-assisted surgery, patients typically experience less blood loss (fewer transfusions) and less pain. Also, because incisions are much smaller and patients experience less trauma than in open surgery, patient benefits may include a shorter hospital stay, less risk of infection, less scarring, faster recovery and a quicker return to normal daily activities. In cardiac and thoracic surgery, robotics has an additional benefit of not requiring a sternotomy. In prostate cancer surgery, robotics often results in fewer incidences of incontinence and sexual dysfunction. And in gynecologic surgery, patients often have less pelvic pain. However, none of these benefits can be guaranteed, as surgery can be both patient- and procedure-specific.
How soon after undergoing robotic-assisted surgery can I resume normal activities?
Every patient is different, and healing time depends on your particular circumstances. Most patients, however, are able to resume normal activities, including working, within several weeks.
Are there any risks to undergoing robotic-assisted surgery?
Like any major surgery, robotic-assisted surgery carries inherent risks. However, they are no more serious than traditional methods of surgery. The main “risk” associated with robotic-assisted surgery is the possible need to convert to open surgery.
What is the follow-up treatment for robotic-assisted surgery like?
The follow-up treatment for robotic-assisted surgery is similar to that for traditional methods of surgery. However, because of robotic-assisted surgery’s inherent benefits (shorter recovery time, smaller incisions, etc.), treatment will progress on a more progressive schedule.
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About the TriHealth robotics program
Where does TriHealth offer robotic-assisted surgery?
TriHealth offers robotic-assisted surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in the Uptown area of Cincinnati and at Bethesda North Hospital in the northern Cincinnati suburb of Montgomery.
How long has TriHealth been offering robotic-assisted surgery?
Good Samaritan Hospital has offered robotic-assisted surgery since February 2003. Bethesda North Hospital performed its first robotic-assisted surgery in March 2007.
How many robotic-assisted surgery systems does TriHealth have?
Good Samaritan Hospital has four da Vinci Surgical Systems. Three are used for surgery and the other is used in the Hatton Institute research lab. Bethesda North Hospital has two da Vinci systems.
What kinds of robotic-assisted surgeries are being performed at TriHealth hospitals?
TriHealth offers a wide range of robotic-assisted surgery options. Specialties of focus are cardiac and thoracic, urologic and gynecologic surgery. The most commonly performed procedures are mitral valve repair and replacement, coronary artery bypass graft, radical prostatectomy and radical hysterectomy.
What doctors are performing robotic-assisted surgery at TriHealth hospitals?
There are many surgeons performing robotic-assisted surgery at TriHealth hospitals, and because of the growing utilization of the da Vinci Surgical System, more surgeons are being trained regularly. If your surgeon is not performing robotic-assisted surgeries, he or she can refer you to one who is.
How many robotic-assisted surgeries have been performed at TriHealth?
The numbers are ever-changing, but TriHealth hospitals continue to have the most experience in the region in robotic-assisted surgery. As of March 2009, surgeons at TriHealth hospitals have performed more than 2,000 robotic procedures.
Will my insurance cover robotic-assisted surgery at a TriHealth hospital?
The majority of insurance companies pay for robotic-assisted surgery as they would traditional methods; however, there are exceptions. Please consult with your carrier to confirm your coverage.
How do I know if I am a candidate for robotic-assisted surgery at a TriHealth hospital?
Eligibility for robotic-assisted surgery is determined by several factors. Generally speaking, the best candidates for robotic-assisted surgery are those patients who have a good medical history and are capable of withstanding the surgery. You will undergo a comprehensive pre-surgery screening to determine if you qualify for robotic-assisted surgery.
How do I get a referral if my doctor won’t refer me for robotic-assisted surgery?
If your doctor will not refer you for robotic-assisted surgery at a TriHealth hospital, you can contact us directly to schedule a consultation. You do not need a referral to undergo robotic-assisted surgery.
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