What Role Does My Doctor Take During Robotic Surgery?

Robotic-assisted surgery once sounded like part of a science fiction film. Now, it’s commonly used for numerous procedures. Between 2012 to 2018, the number of robotic surgery procedures increased from about 2% to 15% — and even more for certain surgeries, such as inguinal hernias, which saw an increase in the same period from less than 1% to about 30%.

One reason for this rise in use? Its clear benefits to patients, which include shortened recovery time, less discomfort, less bleeding, and shorter hospital stays. As a board-certified general surgeon who has used robotic assistance in more than 1,200 procedures, Michael Sutker, MD, PA, understands the many advantages of the da Vinci® robotic-assisted surgery system. 

Because of his experience and knowledge of surgical procedures, Dr. Sutker serves as the medical director of robotic surgery at Medical City Dallas Hospital. While this surgical method involves the assistance of a robot, Dr. Sutker’s expertise is still integral to the process. 

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery is an advanced surgical technique that allows surgeons to perform highly precise minimally invasive procedures instead of open surgeries. Minimally invasive surgery means making a small incision to perform the surgery, as opposed to a large incision that may involve cutting through muscle, tissue, and nerves to access the surgical sight.

In robotic surgery, a small robotic arm and magnifying camera are inserted through the small incision. These two instruments allow the surgeon to see the organs and body cavity in great detail, so they can perform the surgery with greater precision than if they used just their own hands and normal visuals. 

How do the surgeon and robot work together?

Dr. Sutker controls the robotic arm inserted into the incision, which mimics his movements. The robotic arm uses tiny wristed instruments capable of bending and rotating with greater precision and smaller movements than the human wrist. 

Dr. Sutker is in control of the procedure the entire time. In fact, he’s seated next to the patient, viewing and directing the procedure through a console. As he moves, so does the robotic arm. 

Common surgeries Dr. Sutker performs with the assistance of the da Vinci Robot include:

• Sleeve gastrectomy 
• Colectomy
• Cholecystectomy 
• Inguinal and ventral hernia repair 

However, not everyone is a candidate for robotic-assisted surgery, and not every surgery can be performed with the da Vinci system. To learn more, call or click online to schedule a visit at your nearest Michael Sutker, MD, PA, office in McKinney or Dallas, Texas, today.