Robotic surgery is revolutionizing the field of general surgery, offering patients and surgeons new possibilities for safer, less invasive and more precise procedures. At St. Elizabeth, the adoption of cutting-edge technology like the da Vinci 5 Surgical System has positioned the region as a leader in robotic-assisted surgery, with more than 25,000 robot-assisted procedures performed since 2009.
Dr. Michael McAndrew, MD, a General Surgeon at St. Elizabeth, shares his perspective on how robotic surgery is transforming care for patients in Southeastern Indiana and beyond.
What Is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that uses advanced robotic arms and a high-definition 3D camera to assist surgeons during procedures. Dr. McAndrew explains, “Robotic surgery is basically a laparoscopic surgery where instead of humans holding the camera and the instruments, a robot is holding those instruments.” This technology allows surgeons to perform complex operations through smaller incisions, resulting in less blood loss, reduced infection risk and shorter recovery times for patients.
Robotic platforms like the da Vinci Surgical System and Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System are used for a variety of procedures, including general, colorectal, gynecologic, thoracic, urologic and joint replacement surgeries.
What Are the Benefits for Patients and Surgeons?
“For the patients, you can do bigger surgeries through smaller incisions, which means an easier and less painful recovery and hopefully overall better outcomes,” says Dr. McAndrew.
Dr. McAndrew highlights the advanced capabilities for surgeons: “The biggest one is that I can control all the instruments with my feet and my hands. I can control the camera and the angle so that I don’t have to rely on somebody else trying to figure out what I want to see in the body.”
He adds, “I am sitting at a console where I have ten times the magnification and 3D view. I get almost 360 degrees of turns and articulations, and it leads to better and easier suturing and just a lot better of a surgery for the patient.”
The latest da Vinci 5 robot offers 10,000 times the computing power of previous models, improved ergonomics for surgeons and enhanced dexterity for complex procedures, all while keeping the surgeon in full control.
How Has Robotic Surgery Influenced Your Approach to Surgery?
“Robotic surgery has given me new life and learning. This new procedure has been fantastic. I’m really into learning and doing more,” Dr. McAndrew shares.
St. Elizabeth Healthcare is committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements, offering 24/7 access to robotic surgery for acute patients and continuously investing in new technology and training.
What Makes St. Elizabeth the Region’s Leader in Robotic Surgery?
Dr. McAndrew credits the institution’s leadership: “ St. Elizabeth is the region’s leader in robotic surgery due to the leadership supporting all aspects of robotic surgery. Everything from academics to teaching.”
St. Elizabeth has invested in the most advanced da Vinci systems and is recognized for its commitment to quality, safety and patient satisfaction. From routine procedures to the most complex cases, we provide comprehensive surgical care. If you or a loved one want to learn more about robotic surgery or want to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (800) 737-7900.
