Patients who must undergo major surgery, but are looking for it to be as minimally invasive as possible, have a potential option when it comes to da Vinci surgery. This process uses advanced technology and though it’s often referred to as “robot surgery,” Dr. Sherry Thomas is in complete control of each medical action at all times.
What is da Vinci surgery?
One of the more unique aspects with this surgery is the fact that instead of standing over a patient, Dr. Sherry is comfortably seated. Next to her is a 3D camera on a patient cart that’s taking a crystal clear image of the body’s interior. Also on the cart are as many as three specially-created hi-tech surgical instruments, with each one focused on a specific job like suturing, clamping or manipulating tissue.
The term robot comes from the fact that on the cart are also four interactive robot arms to use. In the process, Dr. Sherry sits at a control panel and manipulates the arms that perfectly mimic her own movements. Everything is done in real time, from when the surgeon first makes sees a specific area to when an incision takes place. That allows them to make precise incisions that are roughly the size of a dime.
Since its creation, the da Vinci system has been used in about 1.5 million different procedures around the world. The main areas where it’s been used varies greatly and include gynecologic, urologic and cardiac surgeries as well as general procedures. In the area of colorectal surgery, the number of surgeons trained to work with the da Vinci system has increased by ten times the amount from three years ago.
Much More Rapid Recovery
One major benefit with the surgery is that the healing time involved is much shorter, which in turn means that any expensive hospital stay can also be reduced. That’s because the incision(s) made is small, which results in much less blood loss and requires less medication after surgery. In addition, the size of any unsightly scars are reduced, which is admittedly a cosmetic consideration, but one that many people can be sensitive about.
Making the First Move
Those individuals who are reluctant to undergo or a have fear of what may transpire during major surgery can have their concerns alleviated by undergoing the da Vinci surgery. That’s because of the ease with which it’s performed and the minimal lasting effects from it. Contact Dr. Sherry’s office today to schedule your consultation or stop by our Agoura Hills office. We are here to answer any questions you may have, and help determine if you are a candidate for a da Vinci procedure.