Robotic surgery is one of the world’s most exciting, high-impact surgical advancements. The technology offers surgeons more precision, control and range of motion than traditional open or laparoscopic surgeries. For patients, that means less blood loss, infection risk and pain, and shorter recovery times.
“Robotic surgery allows us to offer our patients a level of precision that was unimaginable just a few decades ago,” says Ryan Moon, MD, a General Surgeon at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “It’s transforming how we approach surgeries, leading to better outcomes and faster recoveries.”
St. Elizabeth Healthcare began offering robotic surgery in 2009. Since then, our surgeons have performed more than 25,000 robot-assisted procedures. Let’s take a look at how robotic surgery has evolved over the years and how it has revolutionized surgeries from the straightforward to the complex.
What is Robot-Assisted Surgery (And How Does It Work)?
Robot-assisted surgery uses advanced robotic technology to assist surgeons during procedures. The platforms use robotic arms equipped with tiny instruments and a high-definition 3D camera. The surgeon sits at a console with a high-definition monitor. They use hand and foot controls to direct the robotic arms and perform the surgery.
Surgeons describe the instruments as extensions of their hands. The instruments allow even better range and dexterity than normal hand and wrist movements.
St. Elizabeth uses two robotic surgery platforms, including the:
- Da Vinci Surgical System – For colorectal, gynecologic, head and neck, heart, thoracic, urologic and general surgeries.
- Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System – For joint replacement surgery. The platform helps surgeons plan surgery and implant joint components fitted to the patient’s anatomy.
What’s the Difference Between Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery?
Both laparoscopic and robotic surgeries are minimally invasive. They use small incisions and specialized tools. However, robotic surgery is “next level.” The robotic arms and “hands” mimic a surgeon’s movements with greater precision and steadiness. The 3D visualization in robotic surgery also provides more depth and detail than the flat, 2D view in laparoscopic procedures.
“The advanced 3D visualization in robotic surgery gives us a clear and detailed view of the surgical site, which enhances our ability to perform delicate and complex procedures,” explains Dr. Moon.
When Was Robotic Surgery Invented?
Robotic surgery traces its origins to 1985, when surgeons used the PUMA system to perform a brain biopsy. Next up was hip replacement (1992). In 2000, the Food & Drug Administration approved the use of the da Vinci Surgical System, bringing robotic surgery into the mainstream. Today, Intuitive Surgical reported over 6,500 da Vinci surgical systems installed globally. By mid-2024, this number increased to 9,203 systems.
At first, some in the healthcare industry were skeptical of the technology’s potential. But over time, robotic surgery has established a proven track record of benefiting patients. It is now the standard of care for many surgeries and specialties.
Robotic Surgeries at St. Elizabeth
St. Elizabeth purchased its first robotic surgery system (the da Vinci) in 2009 and added Mako in 2015. Today:
- About 45 St. Elizabeth surgeons perform robotic surgeries.
- Over 25,000 robotic surgeries have been performed at St. Elizabeth.
- St. Elizabeth utilizes robots for surgery 24/7, no matter the time of day.
“Our investment in robotic surgery systems reflects our commitment to offering the best possible care for our patients,” says Dr. Moon. “These tools enable us to perform surgeries with greater precision and efficiency.”
What Robotic Procedures Does St. Elizabeth Offer?
Surgeons use robotic surgery platforms to perform procedures that otherwise require open surgery.
The most common robotic surgeries are hernia repair, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and colectomy (removal of part or all of the large intestine). St. Elizabeth offers a wide range of robotic surgeries, including:
- Abdominal and pelvic surgeries.
- Bariatric surgery for weight loss.
- Cancer surgeries, including lung cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and gynecologic cancer.
- Joint replacement (knees).
The Future of Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery continues to evolve and promises even more advancements in the years to come. For patients, this means safer, more efficient surgeries and faster recoveries. “We’re just scratching the surface of what robotic surgery can achieve,” says Dr. Moon. “The future holds even more promise for improving patient care and expanding the types of procedures we can perform robotically.”
To learn more about Surgery at St. Elizabeth, click here.
