The Advantages of Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Discover how MetroHealth's advanced robotic-assisted surgery technology helps surgeons perform procedures with greater precision, leading to less pain and faster recovery.
If you need surgery, you may have more treatment options than ever before. At MetroHealth, surgeons use advanced robotic-assisted surgery technology to help patients experience less pain, smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
MetroHealth recently expanded its robotic-assisted surgery program by adding the da Vinci 5 (dV5) surgical system, the newest and most advanced robotic technology available. Surgical teams at the Brecksville Health and Surgery Center and The Glick Center have already used the new system to successfully perform a variety of procedures.
What Is Robotic-Assisted Surgery?
Despite its name, robotic-assisted surgery does not allow a robot to operate on its own. Instead, highly trained surgeons perform every step of the procedure while controlling robotic instruments that enhance their precision and range of motion.
You can think of the robotic instruments as an extension of the surgeon's hands. The technology gives surgeons greater precision, flexibility and visualization, helping them perform complex procedures through very small incisions.
I am very much doing the surgery. It’s just that I use a fancy tool to do it.
How Patients Benefit
Surgeons have used robotic-assisted surgery for decades, continually improving the technology to deliver better patient outcomes. Compared with traditional surgery, robotic-assisted procedures can:
- Reduce time under anesthesia
- Require smaller incisions
- Minimize pain after surgery
- Reduce blood loss
- Lower the risk of infection
- Leave less scarring
- Shorten hospital stays
- Speed recovery and return to daily activities
Many patients return home sooner after surgery, and some patients go home the same day.
MetroHealth Expands Surgical Innovation
In July, MetroHealth surgeons completed the first procedures using the da Vinci 5 system.
At the Brecksville Health and Surgery Center, OB-GYN Robert Pollard, MD, performed the first three procedures using the technology. All three patients returned home the same day.
At The Glick Center, Amelia Dorsey, MD used the da Vinci 5 system to perform hernia repair and anti-reflux procedures. That same day, a team led by Nimitt Patel, MD, used the technology to perform an emergency gallbladder removal.
These milestones demonstrate MetroHealth's commitment to bringing leading-edge surgical care to patients across the region.
It's a level of efficiency for patients that we've really never matched before. Less anesthesia time, smaller incisions and a quicker return to their baseline function. That's the dream of every surgeon for their patients.
What Conditions Can Surgeons Treat with Robotic-Assisted Surgery?
MetroHealth surgeons use robotic-assisted surgery to treat many conditions affecting the digestive, urinary and reproductive systems, as well as certain head and neck cancers.
Common procedures include:
- Hernia repair
- Gallbladder surgery
- Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery
- Colon and rectal surgery
- Anti-reflux surgery
- Kidney and bladder procedures
- Prostate surgery
- Hysterectomy and other gynecologic procedures
- Certain head and neck cancer surgeries
Additional Benefits for Weight-Loss Surgery
For patients considering bariatric surgery, robotic-assisted techniques may:
- Lower the risk of leak complications
- Reduce the risk of infection
- Improve safety for patients with very high BMIs
Is Robotic-Assisted Surgery Right for You?
Not every patient or procedure qualifies for robotic-assisted surgery. Your surgeon can help determine whether this approach fits your specific needs and treatment goals.
MetroHealth surgeons combine advanced technology with compassionate care to help patients heal faster and achieve the best possible outcomes.
To schedule an appointment or consultation, call 216-778-4391 or visit metrohealth.org/robotic-surgery
Your Questions Answered
Q. Does the robot perform the surgery by itself?
A. No. Your surgeon performs every part of the procedure and controls the robotic instruments throughout the surgery. The technology helps surgeons operate with greater precision, flexibility and visibility.
Q. What are the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery?
A. Robotic-assisted surgery can mean less pain, smaller incisions, less blood loss, a lower risk of infection and a faster recovery. Many patients also spend less time in the hospital and return to their normal activities sooner.
Q. Am I a candidate for robotic-assisted surgery?
A. It depends on your condition, overall health and the type of procedure you need. Robotic-assisted surgery is used for many procedures, including hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, bariatric surgery, hysterectomy and prostate surgery. Your surgeon can help determine whether it's the right option for you.
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