Robotic surgery

Robotic-assisted surgery allows for small incisions and more control, creating access to detailed visuals while controlling robotic arms during procedures. This allows for minimally invasive procedures, offering fewer complications and a faster recovery.

Expertise

Tulane surgeons were the first to perform robotic surgery in the Gulf South. Our doctors have pioneered minimally invasive procedures for over two decades and offer expertise in laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Robotic surgery can replace large-incision surgeries (open surgery) with a minimally invasive approach that results in less pain, smaller scars, minimal blood loss and faster recovery time when compared to traditional surgical techniques.

Our robot-assisted technologies

At Tulane Health System, highly experienced surgeons use the latest technology to deliver the most accurate and effective care possible.

As robot-assisted surgery continues to advance, so do our technologies. At Tulane Health System, we are committed to using leading-edge surgical systems, some of which are even specially tailored to certain procedures, like joint replacement and spine surgery. Currently, our doctors use:

• da Vinci SP^® (Single Port) Surgical System for procedures requiring only one incision
• da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System for laparoscopic procedures
• ExcelsiusGPS^® for enhanced accuracy in spine surgery using a robotic arm and navigation system
• Mako™ Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System for hip and knee replacement

Robot-assisted surgeries offer a wide range of benefits; however, patient benefits will vary depending on the type of surgical system being used and the procedure being performed. For robotic laparoscopy, patients can expect advantages like smaller incisions, whereas other technologies may allow our surgeons to bypass cutting certain ligaments that may otherwise prolong recovery times. Other systems allow surgeons to perform procedures with better precision and accuracy, leading to improved patient outcomes

Robotic laparoscopy

Robot-assisted laparoscopy using the daVinci^® Surgical System allows surgeons to perform extremely complex operations through a few small incisions. This provides greater precision, control, visibility and access to hard-to-reach areas.

This technique offers the same benefits as traditional laparoscopy when compared to open surgery. We perform robotic laparoscopy procedures in a variety of specialty areas, including:

• Bariatric surgery
• Colorectal surgery
• Ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery
• General surgery
• Gynecologic surgery
• Single-incision laparoscopy
• Surgical oncology
• Thoracic surgery
• Urologic surgery

Benefits of robot-assisted laparoscopy

Robotic technology helps surgeons control surgical instruments more precisely than what's possible using traditional methods. This can lead to increased accuracy and improved outcomes. Other benefits of robotic surgery include:

• Fewer side effects
• Less blood loss
• Less scarring
• Quicker recoveries
• Reduced risk of infection
• Shorter hospital stays
• Significantly less pain
• Smaller incisions

Single-incision robotic laparoscopy

Tulane Medical Center is the first hospital in the New Orleans area to offer single-incision robotic surgery. Using the da Vinci SP^® (Single Port) Surgical System, we can perform the most minimally invasive surgeries possible.

Robot-assisted joint replacement surgery

Our advanced robotic systems allow surgeons to personalize joint replacement surgery based on each patient's unique anatomy. With the aided precision and planning available using robotic technologies, we can improve the feel, function and longevity of our patients' implants.

We use the latest in robot-assisted technologies for hip and knee joint replacements, including:

• Mako^™ Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System — When using this technology, our surgeons can personalize each hip or knee replacement surgical plan based on the patient's unique anatomy. During the procedure, one of our orthopedic surgeons will guide the robotic arm to a predetermined surgical area — the surgical system ensures the robotic arm remains within the surgical space, reducing the potential for error. Once in the correct position, the surgeon will control the robotic-arm while placing and aligning the implant with increased accuracy.