da Vinci® Robotic Surgery: What You Need to Know

At Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom, we take great pride in the time and effort put into researching the latest advancements in women’s health. The da Vinci® robotic surgery system is a prime example of the kind of state-of-the-art technology we bring to our practice. 

But many people have misconceptions about the way the da Vinci system works and concerns about whether this approach might be right for them. So, let’s discuss everything you need to know about da Vinci and how it could improve your treatment outcomes. 

Surgery is fully controlled by a human being

When many people first hear of robotic surgery, they envision a blocky silver robot hovering over them, wielding sharp, shiny surgical tools. While this is not the way it works, it can still seem intimidating to have a robot handle your surgical needs. 

In reality, the (very) human Dr. Phelan remains in complete control of the surgery. He guides the actions of the robotic arms, which actually perform the cutting and tissue alterations necessary during your procedure. 

At no point does the robotic system “take control” over the process. It simply serves as a highly precise tool for completing even the most intricate surgical alterations. 

Dr. Phelan sits or stands at a control center, which includes a screen that displays real-time imaging of the surgical site. The patient cart contains the robotic arms as well as special surgical tools designed to work with the da Vinci system. 

Small incisions allow an endoscopic camera and light to enter your body and move to the surgical site. This equipment is what creates and sends the imaging to the external vision cart. 

One or more additional small incisions allow the robotic arms to guide the surgical tools to the site where alterations are needed. 

Dr. Phelan has extensive experience with the da Vinci system. He performed his first robotic-assisted surgery in 2012 and has used this minimally invasive approach more than 250 times since. 

Robotic surgery requires less tissue alteration

When compared to traditional open surgery techniques, the da Vinci robotic surgery system requires far less tissue alteration. 

Open surgery requires at least one large incision to access your internal tissues. That means a larger scar after your procedure. Open surgery also carries a higher risk of infection as your body heals after the procedure. 

That’s due to more of your internal tissues being exposed during surgery, as well as a larger incision that could become infected as your scar tissue forms. 

Less tissue disruption also means a faster recovery time. Minimally invasive surgery, including da Vinci surgery, helps people get back on their feet sooner and with fewer limitations on their daily activities. 

No human can match the precision of the da Vinci system

Make no mistake — Dr. Phelan brings a wealth of training and experience to his role at Creekside OB/GYN. But even the most well-trained human hand cannot match the dexterity and flexibility of the da Vinci system. 

Think about it. A robotic arm can move surgical tools in any direction, a feat that the human hinge joint just cannot achieve. 

The da Vinci system can also perform minute tissue alterations with absolute control. There’s no trembling and no hesitation, just absolute controlled movement. 

Da Vinci is also immune to fatigue and will perform just as well during the final moments of your surgery as it did at the beginning. 

Robotic-assisted surgery offers the chance to blend the knowledge and experience of a human surgeon with the precision and dexterity of robotic technology. 

Want more information about robotic surgery?

If you’re excited to learn more about how the da Vinci robotic system might align with your current surgical needs, we encourage you to reach out to our office to book a consultation at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom. 

You can reach us by phone at 916-984-7428 to check appointment availability, or try our easy online booking option.