Robotic Technology Opens the Door for More Surgeries That Are Less Invasive

General surgery is the fastest-growing specialty in robotic surgery today. This leading-edge technology provides surgeons with superior visualization, enhanced dexterity, greater precision, and ergonomic comfort that allows them to perform complex procedures using tiny incisions.

For patients, this means:

• Less pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• Minimal scarring
• Faster return to an active lifestyle

What Is General Surgery?

General surgeons study multiple body systems and are experienced in a wide range of procedures. “We operate on almost any part of the body except, for the most part, the bones and the brain,” says Dr. Jeremy Linson, a general surgeon trained in laparoscopic and robot-assisted abdominal surgery procedures.

Laparoscopic Versus Robotic

Both traditional laparoscopic and robotic surgery are minimally invasive, using small incisions and a tiny camera. With laparoscopy, the surgeon stands over the patient, operating with rigid, stick-like instruments, but robotic technology expands on what surgeons can do laparoscopically. “The robotic platform provides better visualization and dexterity, allowing the surgeon to manipulate tissue and place sutures (stitches) in areas that straight-stick laparoscopic instruments cannot reach, explains Dr. Linson.

The da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System

“The Intuitive da Vinci® Surgical System offers a superior, 3-D, immersive view inside of the abdomen,” says Dr. Linson. The surgeon sits near the patient at an ergonomic console, using finger grips to maneuver instruments and robotic arms that have wristed joints that bend and rotate 360 degrees.

Our specially trained general surgeons use robotic technology for a variety of abdominal procedures. Among our general surgeries, the top two robotics-assisted procedures are:

• Hernia repair (including complex and larger hernias)
• Cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal)

General surgeons also use the robot for gastrointestinal procedures such as reflux surgery and colon surgery.

Ergonomics for Surgeons

Because of its ergonomic design and function, the robotic platform is also much easier on the surgeon‘s body, which can enhance career longevity, according to Dr. Linson. “With traditional laparoscopy, after a six-hour procedure using straight sticks while standing, your neck, spine, and shoulders will be sore. We see surgeons develop debilitating injuries in those areas after years of performing traditional laparoscopic surgery. The robot allows me to protect my body while delivering the same level of care.”

Our Growing Robotics Program

Doylestown Hospital was the first in Bucks County to acquire the da Vinci Surgical System. In 2019, the hospital added a second system, the da Vinci Xi, to accommodate increasing demand for the enhanced capabilities of robot-assisted surgery. The hospital recently introduced a robotic-assisted platform for minimally invasive biopsy in the lung, the Ion Endoluminal System.

“I was fortunate that I came into surgical training at a time when robot-assisted surgery was gaining ground so I was able to develop a great deal of comfort using that platform,” says Dr. Linson, noting that more young doctors are being exposed to robotic technology during their training.

Today, we have surgeons from a variety of specialties using robotic platforms to provide more types of minimally invasive options for cardiac, colon and rectal, general, gynecologic, thoracic, and urologic procedures, notes Dr. Linson. Investing in surgical innovation as part of the One Vision Campaign, Doylestown Health is creating a leading-edge surgical suite, another critical renovation and expansion project that will benefit the health and safety of our patients and advance our culture of innovation and healing. The surgical suite will include over 16,000 square feet, with eight renovated and expanded operating rooms, including rooms specially designed for robotic, orthopedic, and general surgery.