A robotic-assisted Gastrectomy procedure is performed by making four small incisions – one 12 mm incision at the patient’s belly button, and three 8mm incisions at the upper abdomen.
In a partial gastrectomy, commonly for treatment of gastric cancer, the surgeon separates the stomach with the cancer from surrounding organs, including the transverse colon, liver, spleen and pancreas. The supplying blood vessels and lymph nodes are isolated and transected, and the appropriate stomach segment is also transected. If the upper part of the stomach is removed, the lower end of the stomach is connected to the lower end of the esophagus. If the lower part of the stomach is removed, the upper part of the stomach is connected to the small intestine. The connection is typically done with a stapling device, or hand sewn via robotic instruments. Drains or a feeding tube are placed.
In gastric fundoplication, the stomach is mobilized particularly at the upper portion around the lower esophagus and spleen. The stomach fundus is wrapped and sutured around the upper portion of the stomach and the esophagus.
How Robotic-Assisted Surgeries are Performed
Through robotic-assisted visualization, dexterity, precision and control, a surgeon can perform a wide array of procedures through small, 1–2 cm incisions. During an operation, the surgeon sits at a console in the surgical suite and directs the robotic arms to perform the surgery. The robot seamlessly and directly translates the surgeon’s natural hand, wrist and finger movements from controls at the console to the surgical instruments inside the patient.
Enabling Surgeons with
- Greater range of motion and precision than with hand-manipulated, minimally invasive procedures.
- A magnified, high definition three-dimensional view when operating.
- Instruments that become an extension of the surgeon’s wrists, hands and fingers to move the tiny surgical instruments in a delicate, precise manner.
Minimally Invasive Surgeries Performed
- Gastrectomy – a procedure for removal of uterine fibroids while preserving normal uterine tissue.
Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Surgery
- Less post-operative pain
- Reduced trauma to the body
- Less scarring
- Shorter hospital stays
- Reduced blood loss and need for transfusions
- Quicker recovery and return to normal activities