Robotic Surgery using da Vinci® - How it Works and Benefits

Wondering what robotic surgery is, how it works and whether it could help you? In this video, Consultant General Surgeon Mr Maciej Pawlak explains how robotics-assisted surgery works, the advantages of using the da Vinci surgical system, and which procedures can be performed using the technology. Mr Pawlak uses the da Vinci robot at Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow, part of Circle Health Group. *CHAPTERS* 0:00 – Introduction 0:32 – What is robotic surgery? 1:22 – How does the da Vinci surgical system work? 2:10 – What are the benefits of robotic surgery using the da Vinci robot? 4:04 – What procedures can be performed using the DaVinci? 4:40 – Outro Robotic surgical tools can help improve accuracy and reduce invasive incisions during surgery, leading to quicker recovery results. Robotic surgery does not mean that a robot performs surgery, but rather that your surgeon uses robotic technology as a tool to help them. Throughout the procedure, your surgeon is fully in control, guiding the robot’s movements every step of the way. *Is robotic surgery safe?* Robotic surgery is generally safe and is often used to help perform operations through smaller cuts, which can mean less pain, less blood loss, smaller scars, and a quicker recovery than open surgery. Like any operation, however, it still has risks. This can include infection, bleeding, problems with the anaesthetic used, and injury to nearby organs, so it is not completely risk free. Your doctor can explain what the potential risk of your procedure will be and if robotic surgery is the right choice for you. *Will robots replace surgeons?* No, robotic surgery does not replace surgeons. Surgery still requires essential human judgment and real-time decision making. The robotic arms are more like a high-tech tool for surgeons to use during surgery to improve precision and accuracy. This means your surgeon is in control throughout the procedure. *Does robotic surgery improve outcomes?* Robotic surgery can help improve surgery outcomes, as it often allows for more precise surgery, less blood loss, less pain, and quicker recovery. However, individual surgical success will depend on the type of procedure you have, your general health, and other factors, including the skill of your surgeon. *What does non-invasive and invasive surgery mean?* Non-invasive procedures are treatments that do not involve any cuts into the body or breaking of the skin. Invasive surgery is a procedure where an incision is made in the body by an instrument. There is also a middle category, minimally-invasive surgery. This type of procedure uses small cuts and special instruments to do the operation. Robotic surgery is typically a minimally-invasive procedure due to small cuts being made so the robotic instrument can enter the body to help perform the surgery. *ABOUT THE CONSULTANT* Mr Maciej Pawlak is a Consultant General Surgeon at Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow, part of Circle Health Group. He is a highly respected surgeon specialising in abdominal wall surgery, and in particular hernia surgery. Mr Pawlak is not only a skilled clinician but also a significant contributor to the development and implementation of surgical guidelines. He is a member of the HerniaSurge group, which developed the Groin Hernia Guidelines, and serves as co-lead for the European Hernia Society (EHS) guidelines on the treatment of incisional hernias. Additionally, he is a steering committee member for the development of emergency incisional hernia guidelines and collaborates with the EurA CPIP Group on investigating and treating chronic postoperative inguinal pain. *LINKS* https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/consultants/maciej-pawlak Learn more about robotic-assisted surgery at Ross Hall Hospital: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/robotics-scotland To discover how Circle Health Group can help treat you using robotic surgery - https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/treatments/da-vinci-robotic-surgery #davincisystem #roboticsurgery #softtissueroboticsurgery