Robotic Surgery
It’s one of the latest developments in cutting edge technology, and it’s being performed
right here at The Nebraska Medical Center. As the region’s leader in pioneering
innovative treatment options to meet all of your health care needs, The Nebraska
Medical Center is one of the first sites in the country to acquire the technically
advanced robotic da Vinci™ Surgical System. Our surgeons use the technology to convert
procedures previously done in open surgery to perform minimally invasive surgery
using robotics and computer enhanced technology.
The sophisticated technology provides the surgeon with intuitive control, range
of motion and incredible precision and accuracy, while minimizing the impact on
the body. Through 3-D visualization the surgeon is able to perform intricate tasks
through small ports about the size of a dime as opposed to a large incision. For
the patient, this means improved outcomes, fewer complications, less recovery time
and less discomfort after surgery.
The computer-enhanced surgery is superior to traditional laparoscopic surgery which
uses two-dimensional imaging as well as inverted images – similar to looking into
a mirror. Conventional open surgery is performed through a large, open surgical
incision. The system also eliminates the possibility of human tremors that can make
intricate surgeries difficult.
The surgery is performed using miniature instruments that are inserted through tiny
incisions. The surgeon, seated at a control console near the patient, views high-definition,
magnified, 3-D images from a tiny video camera. The robotic arms and tiny instruments
are manipulated by the thumb and forefinger and the normal wrist movement of the
surgeon. The mechanical “wrists” of the robot bend back and forth, side to side
and rotate in a full circle, providing even greater range of motion than possible
by a human.
The da Vinci system is being used to treat patients in specialties such as cardio-thoracic,
urology, transplant, gynecology and general surgery. Specialized training has also
been developed for operating room nurses in use of the technology. A wide range
of procedures has been performed with the equipment including urologic procedures
such as prostatectomy, bowel resections, radical nephrectomy, radical cystectomy,
urinary diversion, uretral resections and bladder augmentation; morbid obesity surgery
such as pancreatic biliary diversions; gynecological procedures including ovarian
transposition and lymph node dissections; splenectomy, adrenalectomy, hernia repairs
and internal mammary artery takedowns. Can my surgery be performed using robotics?
Some of the more commonly performed robotic urologic procedures are listed on the
minimally invasive urologic surgery page. To find out if your procedure can be performed
robotically, contact the urology department, at 800-922-0000.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery provides patients a minimally invasive alternative to many
traditionally open surgery procedures. In traditional surgery, a surgeon will typically
need to make an incision several inches at the surgical site to perform the procedure.
With the less invasive laparoscopic surgery technique, usually just three small
incisions are made — each no more than 1 centimeter long. These incisions allow
the surgeon to insert narrow, tube-like instruments, one of which includes a tiny
video camera that is used to locate and view the surgical site. The other tubes
provide access for surgical instruments needed for the repair.
Laparoscopic surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, which means you can go
home the day of your operation. Compared to traditional surgery, laparoscopic surgery
results in less pain and discomfort following surgery, shorter recuperation time
and a quicker return to normal activities.
Advantages:
- Reduced post-operative pain
- Decreased hospital stay
- Earlier movement and walking
- Quicker return to work and daily activities
- Less scarring
- Less risk of complications
