The University of Maryland Medical Center has a comprehensive robotic program, offering state-of-the-art treatment for heart, urological (including prostate), gynecological and gastrointestinal disorders. Click on any of the frequently asked questions about robot-assisted surgery listed below to read the answers.

 

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• What is minimally invasive surgery (MIS)?



• What are the potential benefits of robotic surgery when compared with traditional methods of surgery?



• What procedures does the UMMC perform using the surgical robot?



• Has the robotic surgery system we use been cleared by the FDA?



• Does the robot perform the surgery on its own?



• Does robotic surgery make the surgeon unnecessary?

What is minimally invasive surgery (MIS)?

The term MIS can be used interchangeably with laparoscopy or endoscopic surgery. Minimally invasive surgery is performed through dime-sized (1-2 cm) incisions — also called operating ports. This is in contrast to the much larger incisions used in traditional, open surgery, which are often as large as 6-12 inches long. In cardiac surgery, a conventional “open” approach also involves splitting the breastbone and opening the ribs.

The smaller incisions used in MIS typically enable shorter recovery times and result in less pain, less blood loss, fewer transfusions, fewer infections and reduced hospitalization costs. While MIS has become standard-of-care for particular surgical procedures, it has not been widely adopted for more complex or delicate procedures – for example, prostatectomy and mitral valve repair. The da Vinci robot technology enables our surgeons to use MIS techniques for these complex procedures.

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What are the potential benefits of robotic surgery when compared with traditional methods of surgery?

Some possible patient benefits of robotic surgery over traditional approaches have been greater surgical precision, increased range of motion, improved dexterity, enhanced visualization and improved access. Benefits experienced by patients may include a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less risk of infection, less blood loss, fewer transfusions, less scarring, faster recovery and a quicker return to normal daily activities. None of these benefits can be guaranteed, as surgery can be both patient- and procedure-specific.

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What procedures does ummc perform using the surgical robot?

UMMC offers a wide range of robotic-assisted treatment options in the following specialty areas: GI, gynecology, head and neck, heart/cardiac and urology. See a complete list was the first in the state of Maryland to perform robotic-assisted minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery. We also offer robot-assisted prostatectomy for patients with prostate cancer, and robotic kidney surgery, including pyeloplasty, partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy.

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Has the surgical robot we use been cleared by the FDA?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the surgical robot we use for a wide range of procedures.