Robotic Surgery

The Northshore Medical Group General Surgeons at Swedish Hospital are trained to utilize the latest generation da Vinci(TM) Xi robotic surgery system for a wide range of foregut, general, colon and rectal surgeries when appropriate.  

The latest robotic surgical techniques combined with enhanced recover after surgery (ERAS) protocols are proven to reduce hospital stays, result in faster healing times with less time off work, lower post-operative complication rates and less post-operative pain. 

The da Vinci Xi robot translates the surgeon's natural hand motions into precise movements of the robotic arms positioned inside the patient's body using a small camera which delivers the surgeon a magnified 3D view in the patient's body. The robotic arms give the surgeon greater dexterity and range of motion through a few small incisions, rather than a large open incision.

What are the Benefits of Robotic Surgery?

The robotic platform allows our surgeons to perform outpatient and many major surgeries, when appropriate, through a few small incisions.

This results in better outcomes for patients and has the added cosmetic benefit of avoiding unseemly scarring.

The majority of colorectal surgeries in the U.S. are performed through a large, open abdominal incision. At Swedish Hospital, our surgeons can perform equally effective, and more precise colon and rectal surgeries using robotic technology through a few incisions that are a portion of the size. 

Do the Robots Operate?

Many patients are concerned a robot is doing the surgery. Be assured that the robot does not think on its own, but rather allows the surgeon, who is in direct control at all times, to make more precise and complex movements in a small space which were not previously possible. The surgeon also has visualization of the robotic instruments at all times while at the console that controls these instruments. 

Types of Robotic Surgery

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