da Vinci Robotic Surgery

Baptist Cancer Center uses da Vinci robotic surgery technology, alone or in combination with a variety of other therapies, as part of many patients' cancer care plans. The da Vinci machine surgery system allows surgeons to perform major surgeries by making only small incisions.

Using the da Vinci Surgical System, the surgeon operates while seated comfortably at a console viewing a magnified 3-D image of the surgical field. The robot technology seamlessly translates the surgeon's hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, real-time movements of our da Vinci robotic surgical instruments inside the patient.

When is da Vinci Robotic Surgery Beneficial?

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis became one of the first hospitals in the Mid-South to employ the FDA approved da Vinci robotic surgery technology, and now da Vinci is widely used at Baptist Cancer Center in cancer care and other procedures. da Vinci machine surgery has been beneficial in a variety of procedures including:

• Prostate
• Heart
• Gynecologic
• Urologic
• Breast

The main purpose of the da Vinci machine surgery is to help surgeons extend the capabilities of their hands and eyes in a way that benefits patients and minimizes incisions.

da Vinci Robotic Surgery Pros and Cons

As the number of robotic assisted surgeries continues to grow worldwide, it’s important to explore the pros and cons of robotic surgery.

Surgeons see many advantages to performing procedures with the da Vinci robotic surgery machine. Since a computer screen magnifies everything 3-D, it can greatly improve a surgeon’s field of vision and allow them to reach into tighter spots with greater precision and accuracy. The machine’s software works to minimize a surgeon’s hand tremors and help to reduce fatigue that is common in long surgical procedures.

As with any type of surgery, there are always risks. It’s important for patients to explore the pros and cons of da Vinci robotic surgery procedures with their physician before an upcoming procedure.