What is robotic surgery?
The da Vinci® S HD™ Surgical System is the newest innovation in minimally invasive surgery. The system is a powerful aid to surgeons – but it does not take their place. It gives surgeons unparalleled surgical accuracy by combining 3-D visualization, high-definition cameras and four robotic arms. As a result, complicated surgeries that were once done with traditional techniques – and the large incisions associated with them – can in most cases now be done with incisions about the size of a dime.

Using the da Vinci Surgical System, the surgeon operates while seated comfortably at a console viewing a 3-D image of the surgical field. The surgeon's fingers grasp the master controls below the display, with hands and wrists naturally positioned relative to his or her eyes. The system seamlessly translates the surgeon's hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, real-time movements of surgical instruments inside the patient.

What are the benefits of robotic surgery?
For the patient, minimally invasive robotic surgery means:

• Less pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• Fewer complications
• Quicker recovery
• Less scarring

How is Saint Francis using robotic surgery?
Saint Francis is using robotics for procedures in three surgical specialties — heart, gynecology and urology. For years, minimally invasive surgery at Saint Francis has been reducing patients' pain, recovery times and incision lengths. The latest minimally invasive technology– the da Vinci Surgical System – uses robotic technology to assist surgeons to take minimally invasive surgery to a higher level.

For more information on minimally invasive da Vinci robotic surgery, call 573-331-5877.