A Game-Changer in the Operating Room

The operating room experience has drastically changed for patients and surgical teams, with significant advancements in the last decade.

Robotic surgery isn't new in Shreveport- Bossier, but as it becomes the preferred alternative to many traditional surgeries, it’s worth some reading and research to decide if it could be in your future.

Robotic surgery, also known as robotassisted surgery, is an option for numerous surgical procedures, including bariatric, urology, gynecology, cardiovascular, thoracic, orthopedic and general surgery. The expert hands of highly-trained physicians use the advanced technology in these robotic systems to control and guide the robotic instruments during procedures; it’s a minimally invasive surgery providing more precision and accuracy than ever before.

CHRISTUS introduced robotic surgery in Shreveport-Bossier in 2003. Continuing the journey into this new frontier, in 2015, CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center was the first to use the most advanced robotic system, the da Vinci XI ® robot, locally. Since its debut, thousands of robotic procedures have been performed in the CHRISTUS

Highland OR. The da Vinci Surgical System allows the surgeon's hand movements to be translated into smaller, precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient's body.

One of the main instruments is the laparoscope – a thin tube with a tiny camera and light at the end. The camera sends images to a video monitor in the operating room to guide doctors during surgery. The surgeon is 100% in control of the da Vinci System at all times with added support from a specially trained surgical team that includes two registered nurse First Assists.

Surgery assisted by The Mako ® Surgical Robot is also growing in popularity as the latest advancement in orthopedic arthroplasty. The Mako is a game-changer for individuals having total hip or knee replacement. During surgery, The Mako communicates with the surgeon providing real-time visual, tactile and auditory feedback to facilitate optimal joint resurfacing and implant positioning, resulting in a more natural motion.

“We are able to provide patients the advantages of open surgery without the trauma and all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. This means we will have you back to the life you love living before you know it,” said Brian Dockendorf, M.D., general surgeon, Highland Clinic.

When surgery is the only option for relief or treatment, there are major benefits in having a robot-assisted procedure, including:

• Less invasive procedure. Smaller incisions mean less pain, less blood loss and less risk of infection.

• Minimal scarring. Smaller incisions produce cosmetically pleasing results with minimal scarring.

• Shorter hospital stays. In most cases, the surgeries are minimally invasive, which means there isn't a need to stay in the hospital for an extended period after surgery. Fewer days in the hospital can mean cost savings for the patient.

• Faster recovery. Recovery time is quicker because of less pain and discomfort, meaning a faster return to normal activity and work.

Discuss the benefits and risks associated with a robotic surgical procedure with your physician and if you are a candidate. You owe it to yourself to see if you can be on the road to recovery faster.