As a patient, surgery can be scary, and recovery from surgery can seem daunting. Luckily, robotic surgery is helping surgeons perform complex minimally invasive procedures with more precision, often leading to less pain post-surgery and quicker recovery times. 

Northwestern Medicine Endocrine Surgeon Samer Rajjoub, MD, recently celebrated his 500th robotic surgery.

“It’s a blessing that I’ve been able to do such a high volume of cases, and I think it correlates with a certain level of proficiency that I’m thankful to have achieved,” says Dr. Rajjoub. “For me to provide that level of care with this technology for my patients has been great.”  

Dr. Rajjoub offers a quick explanation of robotic surgery.

How Does the da Vinci Surgical System Work?

To use the da Vinci robot, surgeons sit at a nearby console to view 3D images of the surgical site. Using the controls, the surgeon moves the robotic instruments and a camera through small surgical incisions.

Dr. Rajjoub adds that not only does the machine give him more dexterity, but it gives him a better view of the anatomy.

“The robotic camera magnifies the surgical field 10 times larger, so if I can see something better, I can absolutely do better,” says Dr. Rajjoub. “Think about virtual reality glasses. You feel like everything is right there. And that’s how the robot is. When your head is in the console, you can see the relationship of structures much better.”

What Are the Benefits of Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery can often lead to:

• A shorter hospital stay
• Fewer complications
• Decreased pain after surgery
• Less scarring
• Less risk of infection
• Less blood loss and therefore fewer transfusions
• Faster recovery, including returning to your normal activities
• Better quality of life after surgery

What Surgeries Can Be Done With the da Vinci Robot?

Dr. Rajjoub often uses the robot to perform surgeries for hernias, colectomies and cholecystectomies, but most surgeries that can be done laparoscopically (using smaller incisions and a camera to guide the surgeon’s tools and maneuvers) can be done with a da Vinci robot.

Laparoscopic surgeries can be done in areas including:

• Appendix
• Bladder
• Bowel
• Colon
• Esophagus
• Gallbladder
• Kidney
• Liver
• Lung
• Orthopaedic joints
• Pancreas
• Prostate
• Spine
• Stomach
• Uterus

In addition, surgeons can use a laparoscopic approach to remove cancer tumors or perform weight loss surgery.

How Can I Get My Surgery Done With a Robot?

As a patient, you can ask your surgeon if they use a robotic surgical system and request for your procedure to be done that way if they do. Surgeons who use robots will also likely ask you what your preference for surgery is.

Learn more about robotic surgery.