Robotic Surgery
The surgeons at Merit Health Natchez perform robotic surgery - a minimally invasive approach to surgery that allows surgeons to perform complex surgical procedures through small incisions. For patients, robotic surgery may offer:
- Less pain and scarring
- Lower risk of infection
- Shorter hospital stays
- Quicker recovery
Robot-assisted surgery is similar to surgical procedures utilizing laparoscopic, less invasive techniques, in which small incisions are made near the surgical treatment area. From a console in the operating room, the surgeon remotely manipulates surgical instruments, which are attached to robotic arms, to perform surgery through the incisions. A powerful camera provides magnified, 3-D images to provide clear details of the surgical area. Robotic technology gives surgeons enhanced dexterity, precision and range of motion.
Surgeons at Merit Health Natchez can perform a variety of robotic-assisted procedures, including:
Colorectal Surgery
Merit Health Natchez offers surgery for issues related to the colon or rectum. Robot-assisted surgeries can help care or treat colon or rectal cancer, polyps, hemorrhoids, conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and diverticular disease. Robot-assisted procedures can help facilitate a quicker recovery from both the condition and the surgery.
Gallbladder Surgery
There are a couple of options when it comes to gallbladder related surgeries. Often, severe gallbladder symptoms indicate that it should be removed in a procedure called a cholecystectomy. A more traditional laparoscopic surgery creates several small cuts to remove the gallbladder, though there is single-incision robotic surgery where the only incision made is in the belly button. Cholecystectomy can often be an outpatient procedure.
Hernia Surgery
Hernia repair can be done with a much less invasive procedure due to robotic-assisted surgery options. A hernia exists when part of the abdominal wall weakens and tissue bulges in that area. This can occur in many areas of the abdomen: upper stomach, groin, upper thigh or belly button. With less invasive robotic procedures, there can be less blood loss, less scarring and pain and a shorter recovery period. This robotic surgery option uses a tiny camera on an endoscope to repair the injured area.
Gynecologic Surgery
Merit Health Natchez's robotic surgery program offers minimally invasive surgical options for hysterectomy and myomectomy, or fibroid surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery, such as a hysterectomy, can provide long-term solutions for certain gynecologic issues like excessive menstrual bleeding. There can be fewer complications, be more of a low-risk procedure and the patient can return to normal life and activities quicker than with more common surgical procedures.