Advancing Surgical Innovation: Single Port da Vinci Robotic Surgery
2/28/2025
Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized patient care by reducing recovery times and minimizing complications. At USMD Hospital at Arlington, we are excited to share we have added even more advanced technology to our robotic fleet with the Single Port da Vinci Robotic Surgery System, a breakthrough in minimally invasive surgery. USMD Hospital at Arlington is the only hospital in Tarrant County with this technology and currently has one of the busiest Single Port systems in the nation. This cutting-edge technology offers numerous benefits to our patients, and we are excited to bring this technology to patients in North Texas.
What is the Single Port da Vinci Robotic Surgery System?
To understand the magnitude of this surgical advancement, it’s important to explain what makes the Single Port Robotic System unique. The da Vinci SP system revolutionizes the way surgeries are performed by allowing surgeons to operate through a single, small incision, instead of six incisions like a multiport robotic system. The single port approach allows the surgeon to access the surgical space without entering the abdomen, which offers benefits to the patient because it can lead to quicker recovery, less post operative pain and better outcomes.
We sat down with Dr. Scott Thurman, a urologist on the medical staff at USMD Hospital at Arlington and an early adopter of the da Vinci SP Robotic Surgery System, to get a better idea of the benefits of single port robotic surgery.
Expert Insights from Dr. Scott Thurman
When asked about his thoughts on the SP robotic system Dr. Thurman shared,
“The Single Port da Vinci Robotic Surgery System has transformed the way we approach complex urologic surgeries. The precision and control it offers are unparalleled, allowing us to perform intricate procedures through a single incision without entering the abdomen. This means our patients experience less pain, faster recoveries, and better overall outcomes.”
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.
Dr. Thurman highlights the significant benefits for patients:
“One of the most exciting advancements with the single port robotic system is it allows the surgeon to perform prostate surgery without entering the abdomen or access the kidney through the retroperitoneal space (the space behind the abdomen), so that surgeons can avoid disturbing the bowel. This technique reduces the risk of complication, eliminates the need for carbon dioxide in the abdomen and allows for faster recovery times.
When we perform urologic surgery using a multiport robotic system, we utilize up to 6 incisions to gain access to the surgical space and enter through the abdomen. When we enter through the abdomen, we use carbon dioxide to expand the area which provides the surgeon with better visualization. The negative part of this is that using carbon dioxide in the abdomen can lead to increased pain and discomfort after surgery. As a surgeon, this is something I always try to minimize for my patients. I love that the single port system gives me the ability to help ensure my patients experience minimal pain and discomfort after surgery.”
At USMD Hospital at Arlington, we are committed to staying at the forefront of surgical innovation. We work hand in hand with the surgeons on our medical staff to identify and acquire the latest surgical equipment to help our patients get back to doing the things they love as quickly as possible. With a robust robotic surgical fleet including 3 Xi robots, a new DV5 robot and the latest single port robot, USMD Hospital at Arlington in a premier destination for patients looking for the latest surgical advancement.
If you are considering surgery and want to learn if robotic surgery would be an option for you, reach out to us today to start the discussion.
Resources: