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Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery and computer-assisted surgery are procedures that use robotic systems to aid surgeons when performing operations. Robotic surgery often means a shorter recovery time and smaller incisions.

Is Robotic Surgery Right for you?

 

Talk with your doctor to find out if you are a candidate for robotic surgery. Here are some things to consider when deciding if a robotic procedure could be the right choice for you:

  • You want to avoid having a large or multiple incisions that could cause scarring.
  • You do not want a long hospital stay.
  • You want to minimize blood loss and avoid the need for a blood transfusion during surgery.
  • You would prefer to limit the amount and duration of pain medications following surgery.
  • You want to minimize the risk of infection following surgery.
  • You want to know about surgical options that may provide better overall clinical outcomes and quicker return to everyday activities.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a condition that may require surgery, you owe it to yourself to learn about all your options, including some of the most non-invasive surgical treatments available using robotic surgery. Some of the potential benefits of this type of surgery include:

  • Less pain
  • Decrease in blood loss
  • Less scarring
  • Fewer complications
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Shorter recovery time
  • Faster return to normal daily activities
  • Better clinical outcomes

Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery

When you choose robotic surgery, you’re choosing one of the least invasive surgical treatments available today. Robotic surgery offers the potential for you to experience less pain and bleeding, fewer complications and a faster recovery time. At Palm Beach Health Network, our surgeons are highly experienced in the art of robotic surgery so you can trust you’re in good hands. We offer robotic surgery for the heart, gallbladder, colorectal conditions, prostate, lungs, weight-loss surgery, gynecological procedures and more.

What to Expect After Robotic Surgery

Once you’ve had your procedure, you will be monitored in the recovery room. Many patients only spend one night in the hospital. You may experience some soreness from the surgery and should ask the staff for pain medication as needed. Be sure to discuss with your physician and care team about what you should expect immediately after surgery.

Once you are ready for discharge, you’ll receive instructions. Pain and soreness should resolve over the course of days or weeks, and pain medication should be taken as needed. At home, make sure to stay hydrated and eat a bland diet with small, frequent meals. It is also important to walk several times per day, increasing the distance each time.

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More Information

Joint Replacement Surgery – What You Need to Know

If your doctor recommends joint replacement surgery, it helps to know what to expect. Joint replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged joint with a new one called a prosthesis. These new joints usually are made of a metal, plastic or ceramic device. Hips and knees are the joints replaced most often, but shoulders, ankles and elbows can be replaced as well.                                                     

When to Consider Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement is usually considered after exercise, walking aids, physical therapy or medications cannot relieve pain and improve mobility. Surgery for hip replacement patients, for example, can help lessen problems walking or make it easier to bend. Joint damage is caused by:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Injuries
  • Other diseases
  • Joint wear caused by avascular necrosis (loss of bone caused by low blood supply)

Evaluation and Surgical Options

Before surgery, the surgeon evaluates the patient’s range of motion and joint strength, takes a medical history and takes x-rays to determine the extent of your damage. The doctor may put a small, lighted tube called an arthroscope into the joint to check for damage. In some cases, only the damaged parts would be replaced, not the entire joint. During a hip replacement surgery:

  • Diseased or damaged bone and tissue is removed
  • A metal stem and attached ball is inserted into the bone
  • A cup is inserted into the socket of the hip joint

New joints can be cemented into place to hold the new joint to the bone. Another way is by the prosthesis being placed without cement so bone can grow and attach to it. A prosthesis is designed to duplicate the mechanical properties of the joint being replaced. A prosthetic knee, for example, will be flexible enough to bend without breaking, and strong enough to bear weight.

After Surgery

Most hip and knee replacement patients are discharged from the hospital one to three days after surgery. Patients are encouraged to perform specific exercises recommended by their doctors to help the recovery process. Pain after surgery is normal as it comes from lack of activity and healing tissues.

A majority of patients who undergo joint replacement surgery find it easier to perform daily activities and experience less pain throughout their lives. However, if problems do arise, most can be treated.

Possible complications from joint replacement surgery include infections, blood clots, loosening, dislocation or wear of the new joint, or nerve injury.

Hip replacement patients also may experience a change in leg length or joint stiffening. Following hip replacement surgery, most patients eventually will be able to swim, play golf or bike ride comfortably, but high-impact sports such as skiing and running are not recommended.

Joint replacement surgery is becoming more common in the United States, with more than 1 million Americans having a hip or knee replaced annually. Talk to your doctor for more information about joint replacement options.

Robotic Surgery Services

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