da Vinci Robot Surgery
at
Loma Linda Hospital

da Vinci Robot Surgery

Since its debut in 2000, the da Vinci Surgical System (dVSS) has left a lasting impression in the medical world. Used in 4 out of 5 radical prostatectomies in the US [source: Intuitive Surgical], the system is the leading tool for minimally invasive surgery. The surgery isn’t limited to the prostate region.

According to Intuitive Surgical Inc., the company that invented the dVSS, over 1.5 million surgeries have been completed with the assistance of the dVSS. These include gastrointestinal surgery, trans-oral surgery, gynecological surgery, and urological surgery. Loma Linda University is an avid advocate of the dVSS and their medical staff isn’t standing by idly either. Doctors like Duane Baldwin are trying to revolutionize surgeries in areas like nephrology with the assistance of da Vinci.

How Helpful is da Vinci Robot Surgery?

Just How Helpful is the da Vinci Robot?

Using the da Vinci Surgical System reduces the time under the knife and increases the doctors’ precision while decreasing the size of the incisions, minimizing the amount of scarring typically experienced after a traditional laparoscopic surgery or open surgery. In addition, the patients experience less pain and blood loss and require less recovery time at the hospital [source: Loma Linda University], thus reducing the price of postoperative costs (hospital bills, painkillers, transfusions, etc.).

A Human Perspective on da Vinci Robot Surgery: Doctors' Thoughts

After detailing so much about da Vinci's capabilities, an obvious question is formed in the minds of those reading. What are the thoughts of the doctors using dVSS? Are they worried that robots will make them obsolete? Are they scared that they will take away their jobs? The doctors at Loma Linda Hospital, in Loma Linda, California certainly aren't worried. Since it's initial use in 2004, the da Vinci Surgery System has been widely praised by the doctors who have used it. Dr. Duane Baldwin uses his experience with the dVSS to push the boundaries of kidney surgery.

Dr. Kevin Balli saw potential in using the machine for gynecologic purposes and began to offer such services in 2005. Dr. Marcos Michelotti believes that patients deserve the most innovative procedures possible, and using da Vinci is certainly a way to make that happen. At least 14 highly accredited doctors at Loma Linda are using this technology for the benefit of the patients, including the ones previously stated by Loma Linda Doctors who use da Vinci ].

Under the da Vinci Knife: The Patient's Thoughts

Now that we know about the doctors' thoughts, what about those who go on the operating table? The results of da Vinci robot surgery, laparoscopic specifically, were reviewed favorable by many patients who underwent the surgery. Thanks to the da Vinci Surgical System, women like Cheryl Seichs can still enjoy exercise and a more physically demanding lifestyle after hysterectomies and other gynecologic procedures. When Mark Hernandez found out he had prostate cancer, he knew that incontinence and erectile dysfunction weren't postoperative symptoms he could live with, so he turned to da Vinci. After the surgery he is now cancer-free and can live without the dilemmas that plague men after the traditional surgery [source: Loma Linda].

Checks and Balances

According to Patients Safety in Surgery, June 2013 [source: Song et al], doctors are beginning to implement checklists that will diminish the chance of complications during and after lengthy da Vinci robot surgery. These checklists are used to ensure that, in the middle of the surgery, doctors can catch things that can lead to complications later. A checklist isn’t the only safeguard against possible complications; a series of standards created by the Association of Surgical Technologists in October of 2013 and revised in April of 2014 focuses on getting acquainted with the system. Standards include gaining experience on handling the machine and knowing its components. It is anticipated that with both of these concepts in place, the number of possible mishaps should be significantly reduced.

My Personal Review of the da Vinci Robot-assisted Surgery System

Robotics is the future, so it is safe to say that the day when the idea of traditional manual laparoscopy becomes unthinkable is fast approaching. That is not to say that robots will be taking over the jobs of our much-needed doctors. While the robot aids the doctors in surgical actions, Intuitive Surgical states that the robot is neither pre-programmed nor does it make independent decisions. The doctors are in full control of the da Vinci machine, which may relieve many fears in the hearts of patients.

Errors and Complications in Robot-assisted Surgery.

However, this also means that patients are still subjected to human error, so complications, a possibility in any surgery, can still occur. da Vinci robot surgery itself is not completely without fault either; cases of surgical tears and burns (from the cauterizing scissors) have been associated with the dVSS. The cost of purchasing and operating the robot keeps it out of smaller hospitals. It is important to note, though, that even with robotic assistance, surgery still isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of practice. Still, the dVSS will remain a very important tool in the fight against disease, but like a surgical laser, it shouldn’t be used in every occasion. After all, this isn’t a game of operation; real people’s lives are at stake.

It is YOUR Choice

Should YOU as a patient let your doctor use the da Vinci Surgical System on your body? Ultimately, it is still your choice. This is a question you should discuss with your family and your doctor. Someday robot-assisted surgery may be routine, but for now, that decision is yours and yours alone.

da Vinci Robot Surgery
at
Loma Linda Hospital