Single Port Robotic Surgery in Arlington, TX
Introducing the Single Port (SP) da Vinci® Robotic Surgery System
At USMD Hospital at Arlington, we are proud to offer the latest in minimally invasive surgery with the Single Port da Vinci® Robotic Surgery System. One of our 5 da Vinci robotic systems, the Single Port robot can be used for urological surgery and some ENT procedures. This state-of-the-art technology gives the surgeon the ability to deliver robotic-assisted surgery through one incision and is designed to enhance precision during surgical procedures. By using the Single Port robotic system, the surgeons on the medical staff at USMD Hospital at Arlington are able to perform urologic surgery while staying out of the abdomen which dramatically reduces pain and improves recovery time when compared with other surgical approaches.
In need of Single Port Robotic Surgery?
Use our Physician Finder to locate a specialist to assist you with Single Port Robotic Surgery.
Find A PhysicianWhat is Single Port Robotic Surgery?
The da Vinci® SP system allows physicians on the medical staff to perform complex surgeries through a single, small incision. This allows the surgeon to perform surgery without entering the abdominal space, which in turn significantly reduces pain and discomfort after surgery making Single Port robotic surgery even more minimally invasive than traditional robotic surgery. In traditional robotic surgery patients will have 6 small incisions and the surgeon will utilize carbon dioxide (CO2) in the abdominal space to provide better visibility. Though CO2 is used to help create a workspace for the surgeon, it can cause pain and discomfort after surgery and the gas can migrate to the neck and shoulders as it works its way out of the body. This is called referred pain.
Benefits of Single Port Robotic Surgery
- Less Invasive: By performing surgery through one small incision, patients experience less pain and a faster recovery.
- Easier Access: The single port approach offers easier access to extraperitoneal spaces, (space outside the peritoneum, surrounding the abdominal cavity) by avoiding the abdominal space, the surgeon does not need to use carbon dioxide (CO2) to insufflate the abdomen. This leads to less pain and discomfort during recovery.
- Enhanced Visualization: The 3D HD fully articulating endoscope provides clear and flexible views for the surgeon, allowing visualization above, below, and around anatomy.
- Lower Post-Operative Pain: Because single port surgery does not require the use of CO2 in the abdominal space patients typically experience less pain and discomfort after surgery, leading to a quicker return to daily activities.
- Greater Precision: da Vinci® SP instruments give a greater range of motion than the human hand.
- Safe and Effective: The system extends the capabilities of the surgeon’s eyes and hands, improving patient outcomes.
How Does Single Port Robotic Surgery Work?
Much like the other robotic systems, the single port system's advanced robotic technology translates the physician's hand movements into smaller, precise movements of miniaturized instruments inside the patient's body. This allows for unparalleled precision in surgery, often making complex procedures simpler and safer. The main difference between previous da Vinci® systems is the SP allows the surgeon to perform the surgery through one small incision as compared to six incisions and allows access to the surgical area without going through the abdominal space, which decreases post operative pain and discomfort.
Who is a Candidate for Single Port Robotic Surgery?
Physicians on the medical staff at USMD Hospital at Arlington have successfully used the various versions of the da Vinci® surgical system for more than 20 years and have now exceeded more than 20,000 robotic procedures. This is a huge milestone that we are very proud to have achieved. The Single Port system can be used to perform most urologic robotic surgery that would typically be done on the multiport system. Some of these surgeries include prostate surgery and kidney surgery.
Single Port Robotic Surgery FAQ
What is single port robotic surgery?
Single port robotic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a single incision using a robotic system. For urologic procedures the incision is often below the navel and allows the surgeon to access the surgical area without entering the abdominal space.
What types of procedures can be performed using single port robotic surgery?
Single port robotic surgery can be used for just about all urologic procedures that were previously performed on the multiport system. This can include kidney surgery, prostate surgery and bladder surgery.
How does single port robotic surgery differ from traditional laparoscopic surgery?
Traditional laparoscopic surgery is an abdominal surgery that typically requires multiple small incisions, while single port robotic surgery uses only one incision and is not abdominal surgery. Since single port robotic surgery is performed without accessing the abdomen, the patient typically experiences less pain and discomfort after surgery.
What are the benefits of single port robotic surgery?
Benefits include decreased pain, fewer scars, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times.
Are there any risks associated with single port robotic surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. However, since single port robotic surgery is not abdominal surgery typical risks associated with abdominal surgery are minimized.
Who is a candidate for single port robotic surgery?
Candidates typically include patients who require surgery for conditions that can be addressed through a minimally invasive approach. From a urology perspective just about any patient that is a candidate for robotic surgery can also be a candidate for single port robotic surgery.
How should I prepare for single port robotic surgery?
Preparation for single port surgery is like most surgeries and may include preoperative tests, fasting the night before surgery, and following specific instructions from your healthcare provider.
What is the recovery process like after single port robotic surgery?
Recovery is usually quicker compared to traditional surgery or other minimally invasive surgeries. Patients may experience less pain and in most cases are able to go home that same day. Since single port surgery avoids entering the abdomen, patients do not experience the same type of discomfort as they would be abdominal surgery.
Will I need pain medication after single port robotic surgery?
Many patients report needing less pain medication compared to traditional surgery.
When can I resume normal activities after single port robotic surgery?
Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days to a week, depending on the type of surgery and individual recovery. It’s important to talk to your doctors about their specific expectations for your recovery.
At USMD Hospital at Arlington, we are committed to staying at the forefront of surgical innovation. The hospital’s investment in the Single Port da Vinci Robotic Surgery System exemplifies our dedication to providing our patients with the best possible care through advanced technology.
If you are considering surgery for a urologic condition, ask us your doctor if surgery using the Single Port Robotic System is an option for you.
Reviewed by: Scott Thurman, MD
Resources: