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>> Many patients are concerned
that robotic surgery means
a robot is operating on you
and a surgeon is less involved.
I think the most important
point to understand
is the robot is simply
another tool for your surgeon.
It can be a very useful and powerful tool,
but the surgeon is in control.
When I'm performing a robotic surgery,
I'm in the same room as the patient
and using a console to control the robot.
I look into the console
which gives me a three-dimensional view
of the operating field
and use the handles to make movements
which the robotic arms then mirror.
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The robot has several benefits.
From a surgeon's perspective,
it allows us to operate in
small or hard to reach areas
that would be difficult or not possible
to operate in otherwise.
The robot allows for more precise vision,
instrument control, and dexterity,
making it ideal for some procedures.
When comparing robotic surgery
to traditional open surgery,
we find that our patients
benefit from less pain,
shorter recovery, and are often able
to leave the hospital faster
than they would have otherwise.
Given we can perform robotic surgery
through small incisions,
some of our patients also appreciate
the added cosmetic
benefit of that as well.
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The potential application
of robotic surgery is growing constantly.
Across Johns Hopkins, we
have colorectal surgeons,
urologists, gynecologists,
surgical oncologists,
and cardiothoracic surgeons
performing robotic surgery,
and that's just to name a few.
In my division of
minimally invasive surgery,
we are utilizing the robot
for a variety of procedures.
We can repair a hernia robotically
that might have otherwise
required a very large incision
and an extensive hospital stay.
We can treat foregut disorders
and revisional surgery
with precision that would be
difficult to achieve otherwise.
We have applications in
weight loss surgery as well.
We are always looking
for the next application
that could be beneficial to our patients.
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While the robot offers many advantages,
I think it is critical that
each patient be evaluated
on an individual basis.
Not all patients are
candidates for robotic surgery,
and there is still a role for
laparoscopic and open surgery
depending on your indications for surgery
and your desired outcome.
In choosing an approach,
whether it be open surgery,
laparoscopic surgery, or robotic surgery,
it is important that you
and your surgeon discuss
what your goals are and which
approach is best for you.
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In the United States, the
history of modern surgery
has largely been defined by Johns Hopkins.
Our surgeons are recognized
nationally and internationally
as experts in their fields.
We are not only dedicated
to providing patients the best outcome
and in offering the latest
techniques and technology,
but we back that up
with our research and development efforts.
In our Minimally Invasive
Surgical Training
and Innovation Center, we
provide robotic education
and collaborate across disciplines
to improve patient outcomes.
We are not only providing
excellent surgical care,
but ensuring that we continue to progress
and teach the next generation
of surgeons as well.
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