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.

Find a Robotic Surgeon

Fill out a contact form and we’ll call you to refer a doctor.

Request a Surgeon Referral

Minimally Invasive Partial Knee Replacement

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and it’s often affected by osteoarthritis (OA). OA causes knee pain when cartilage in the knee wears away over time and the joint can’t move as easily as before. People with osteoarthritis that is confined to one section of the knee may be candidates for a minimally invasive partial knee replacement.

Anatomy of a Partial Knee Replacement

The knee is divided into three main compartments that work together:

Medial or inside part of the knee
Lateral or outside part
Patellofemoral or front of the knee between the kneecap and thighbone

A partial knee replacement is typically recommended only after other nonsurgical treatments, such as activity modification, strengthening exercises, medications, cortisone injections, or use of a cane while walking, have not been effective in providing relief for arthritis symptoms.

In partial knee replacement, only the damaged compartment is replaced with a metal and plastic implant while the healthy cartilage and bone in the rest of the knee is left in place. Before the procedure, the doctor examines the knee, tries to identify the location of the pain, and tests the knee for range of motion and ligament quality. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging, may be done to see the pattern of arthritis or better assess the cartilage.

Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery

In a minimally invasive partial knee replacement procedure, an incision of about three to five inches is made to allow for insertion of the knee replacement. This results in minimal damage to surrounding muscles and tendons around the knee. Compared to conventional surgery with a larger incision, benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:

Less discomfort, swelling and blood loss
Shorter hospitalization and rehabilitation
Ability to return to work sooner

During the operation, the surgeon checks all three compartments of the knee for cartilage damage and to make sure the ligaments are intact. The affected cartilage is then removed and the ends of the femur and tibia are capped with metal coverings that are held in place to the bone with cement. A plastic insert is placed between the two metal parts to ensure a smooth gliding surface.

Patients can start to put weight on their knee immediately after surgery. They usually can walk without a cane several weeks after surgery, but may need physical therapy for a few months. Not surprising, patients who are most likely to experience positive outcomes from the surgery are those who follow recommendations for rehabilitation.

Most types of exercise are allowed after surgery, including walking, swimming and biking. However, patients should avoid high-impact activities such as jogging. Patients typically experience less pain than they did before surgery and can resume most regular activities by six weeks after surgery. For more information about minimally invasive partial knee replacement, talk with your doctor.