Robot-Assisted Surgery

Robot-assisted surgery is the most advanced form of minimally invasive surgery available today. The University of Kansas Health System offers several surgical systems for robotic-assisted surgery, including da Vinci® robotic surgical systems.

Robot-assisted surgery is the most advanced form of minimally invasive surgery available. The University of Kansas Health System first implemented robot-assisted surgery in 2005. There are now more than 40 robotically trained surgeons at our 39th and Rainbow campus, offering surgical procedures in several specialty areas and utilizing different robotic systems.

Robotic surgery allows physicians to perform complex procedures with precision. The surgical system provides high-definition 3D vision and a magnified view to enhance the surgeon’s capabilities. The surgeon is performing the entire procedure, with the robotic system translating their hand movements into smaller, more precise ones. We offer a variety of appointment types. Learn more or call 913-588-1227 to schedule now.

Not every surgery can be performed with a robotic surgical system, and not every patient is a good candidate for these procedures. Your doctor will talk more with you about your surgical options when you discuss your treatment plan together.

Your doctor can perform complex procedures through just a few small incisions. As a result, you can get back to normal life faster without the usual recovery that follows traditional surgery.

Benefits of robotic surgery may include:

• Faster recovery and return to normal daily activities
• Improved healing and reduced scarring
• Reduced bleeding and need for transfusions
• Reduced pain and trauma to the body
• Reduced risk of infection
• Shorter hospital stay

Together, these technological advancements provide robotic surgeons with unparalleled precision, dexterity and control that enable a minimally invasive approach to many complex surgical procedures.

Each robotic surgery looks a little bit different, depending on the type of surgical system that is used and the procedure that is being completed.

By utilizing a da Vinci® robotic surgical system, our surgeons have an enhanced 3D view of the surgical field with the capability to zoom in and magnify up to 12 times the normal size. The robotic arms allow superior flexibility and maneuverability that improve the surgeon’s control and precision.

The robot does not make any decisions or movements on its own, nor can it be programmed to act independently. It has no autonomy and moves only from direct input from the surgeon. The surgical system is extremely versatile. Doctors worldwide have used it successfully in hundreds of thousands of procedures.

What is a multiport robotic surgery?

• A da Vinci® multiport robot is made up of 3 pieces in the surgical system: the surgeon console, the vision tower and the patient cart, which includes interactive robotic arms. The robot has 4 arms; 3 hold instruments and 1 holds the camera.

At the start of the robotic surgery procedure, the surgeon fills the patient’s abdomen with carbon dioxide using a small incision less than 2 centimeters. After the abdomen is distended, a light and camera are inserted to view the abdominal contents.

If the surgeon feels the operation can be completed robotically, the surgeon will proceed and make 3-6 incisions approximately 1-2 centimeters in length. Through these incisions, cannulas (instrument holders) are inserted through the skin into the abdomen. The patient side cart, which includes flexible, mechanical arms, is then brought to the patient and docked, or connected to the cannulas.

Once the robot is docked, the surgeon sits at a master console, which is in the same room as the patient. An assistant surgeon remains at the bedside to change instruments and assist.

At the console, the surgeon sees a magnified, 3D view of the operating field and is able to direct the robot’s arm movements by placing his or her hands in the master control handles. The surgeon’s movements are scaled and translated to precise movements of the instruments at the bedside. The surgeon’s hand tremor is also filtered and removed.

The robotic arms and specialized endowrist instruments combine to allow the instruments to move similar to that of a human wrist. The system allows 7 degrees of freedom, or axes of movement.

Once the procedure is complete, the patient side cart is unhooked, or undocked, from the patient. All of the instruments and cannulas are removed, and the small incisions are closed.

What is single-port robotic surgery?

The major differences with da Vinci® single-port robot-assisted surgery is that the patient side cart includes 1 robotic arm, and the surgery is completed through 1 incision. Single port surgeries may go through the abdomen, like multiport ones, or they could use a transoral approach, through the mouth.

Single-port procedures are useful for surgeries where there is narrow access. They are commonly used for urologic and ENT procedures. The single arm can still control 3 instruments and an endoscope through 1 incision. The surgeon also has the same magnified, 3D view and highly responsive instruments as in the multiport robotic surgery.

We are the only health system in Kansas City to offer single-port robot-assisted surgery.