By Dr. Kent Sadler, OB-GYN and gynecologic surgeon with CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – Alamo Heights
Surgery can be an intimidating word and process for many. While there are risks in every procedure, we work to ensure we achieve the best outcomes for each patient.
Recently, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – Alamo Heights acquired a new robotic surgical system known as the da Vinci 5.
It is used for minimally invasive urology, gynecology, thoracic and general surgeries. It has robotic arms the surgeon controls, translating their hand movements into smaller, more precise movements using tiny instruments. The system’s vision system also provides surgeons with a highly magnified view, virtually extending their eyes and hands throughout the procedure.
Patients may ask, “Why does this matter?”
The bottom line is that the minimally invasive approach allows patients to undergo their necessary procedures with less recovery time and provides them with optimal results. Typically, patients may also experience less pain and scarring and less risk of infection.
This means patients can have a shorter hospital stay and be in the comfort of their homes.
Robotic surgery techniques are quickly becoming the gold standard of care for various surgical needs.
The idea of surgeons using a robotic surgical system is not new. In fact, we’ve been using them for years. However, technology has made huge strides over the past several years. The biggest and newest advancement for the robotic system is the Force Feedback technology. It allows the surgeon to feel and have feedback when touching and manipulating the tissue.
The tactile feedback can play an important role for surgeons, especially those still in training, as it will give the surgeon a better sense of what to feel during the procedure. CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – Alamo Heights has been utilizing this new system for the past month and has seen incredible results for its patients.
This type of technology has a significant impact on how patients undergo certain operations. Patients in the Alamo Heights neighborhood and in the city of San Antonio deserve the most innovative and best health care. The hospital is incredibly proud to possess the tools needed to provide that quality of care to them.
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital- Alamo Heights is located at 403 Treeline Park, San Antonio, TX 78209. To learn more, visit CHRISTUSHealth.org, or call (210) 294-8000.
