Robotic-assisted surgery in Frankfort
Frankfort Regional Medical Center is proud to provide robotic surgery to patients in the Frankfort and surrounding communities with the most advanced technology. Robotic surgery is an advanced technology that utilizes a particular surgical system, including specialized arms for holding instruments and a camera, as well as a magnified screen and a console.
To learn more about robotic surgery, call (877) 376-2631.
What is robotic surgery?
Traditional or “open” surgery generally requires a large incision through the skin and possibly muscle across the surgical area. This allows the surgeon to view the area and perform the surgery using surgical tools they manipulate by hand. The large incision is invasive, which means it breaks the skin. Large incisions bleed more than small ones, have a higher risk of complications such as infection, take longer to heal, and may leave a significant scar.
Minimally invasive surgery (also known as laparoscopic surgery) requires just a few very small incisions, usually less than an inch. In some cases, only one small incision is needed. The surgeon inserts thin surgical instruments and a tiny video camera through the incisions; the video camera projects images of the surgical area onto a screen, and the surgeon uses these images as a guide while manipulating the tools to perform the surgery. However, because the surgeon is working through very small incisions, their mobility with the instruments may be limited.
Robotic technology takes minimally invasive surgery a step further by allowing surgeons to operate using robotic “arms” inserted through the incisions. Guided by the surgeon, the robotic arms hold and manipulate the surgical tools. The surgeon views the surgical area on high-definition, three-dimensional video that magnifies the surgical area up to 10 times larger than normal and uses an instrument panel to control every movement of the robotic arms. Because the arms can move in any direction and do things human hands cannot, they give the surgeon much more dexterity, precision and control.
The surgeon has extensive training and experience using robotic surgical equipment and is fully in control of the robot at all times. The robotic system never makes a movement, or even an incision, on its own. Each procedure is performed by a highly experienced and skilled team of surgeons, nurses and technicians who are specially trained to use robotic surgical systems.
Benefits of robotic surgery
Minimally invasive robotic surgery can offer many benefits to patients, including:
- Smaller incisions
- Less pain
- Less blood loss
- Lower risk of infection
- Minimal scarring
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery and return to activities
Your surgeon will discuss with you whether robot-assisted surgery is available for your procedure.