RMC’s Robotic Surgery

At RMC, our robotic surgery program stands at the forefront of medical innovation, utilizing advanced technology to perform minimally invasive procedures with unparalleled precision.

The program incorporates sophisticated robotic systems that extend a surgeon’s capabilities beyond the limitations of the human hand, even completing repetitive tasks with accuracy and ease.

By combining the expertise of our surgical staff with the precision of medical robotics, RMC can enhance the overall surgical experience for our patients, accelerate recovery, reduce pain, and improve cosmetic outcomes.

The Newest Addition to Robotic Services: Aquablation for BPH

At RMC, we’re excited to announce we are the first facility in the state of Alabama to provide Aquablation with the HYDROS™ Robotic System: A Cutting-Edge AI- Powered Platform for Aquablation. Dr. Phillis and Dr. Billings, our experienced Surgical Urologists, have already begun procedures and are seeing positive patient results.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a common condition in men, especially as they age. It’s the #1 reason men visit the urologist nationwide, with over 40 million men affected by BPH in the US. It can cause frustrating and sometimes debilitating urinary symptoms like:

Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
Weak urine stream
Difficulty starting urination
Sudden urge to urinate
Incomplete bladder emptying
**Overflow incontinence (leakage)

While there are various treatment options for BPH, including medication and minimally invasive procedures, Aquablation is emerging as a groundbreaking solution.

What is Aquablation?

Aquablation is a minimally invasive, robot-assisted procedure that precisely removes excess prostate tissue using a high-pressure water jet. Here’s how it works:

Precise Mapping: An MRI scan of the prostate is used to create a 3D map, allowing the surgeon to accurately identify the areas of excess tissue.
Robotic Guidance: The procedure is performed using a robotic arm, ensuring high precision and minimal invasiveness.
Water Jet Ablation: A high-pressure water jet, guided by the 3D map, precisely removes the targeted prostate tissue.
Minimal Disruption: Unlike some other procedures, Aquablation minimizes damage to surrounding nerves and blood vessels, potentially reducing the risk of side effects like erectile dysfunction and incontinence.

Benefits of Aquablation:

High Precision: The robotic guidance and 3D imaging ensure accurate and targeted removal of excess tissue.
Minimal Side Effects: Reduced risk of erectile dysfunction and incontinence compared to some other surgical options.
Quick Recovery: Most men can return to normal activities within a few days.
Effective Symptom Relief: Aquablation has shown excellent results in improving urinary flow and reducing BPH symptoms.

da Vinci Surgical System

This setup utilizes advanced robotics and computer technology to provide high-definition, 3D visualization, and precise control of surgical instruments in operating rooms.

The system consists of the following three elements:

Surgeons operate from the surgeon console, which has a magnified 3D display of the surgical site and guides the robotic instruments using hand and foot controls.

The Patient-side cart stands beside the operating table and holds the robotic arms that perform the surgery. These arms wield various surgical tools that enter the body through tiny incisions.

The vision system includes a high-definition 3D endoscope and camera, which provide a clear and magnified view of the surgical field. This enhanced visualization allows the surgeon to see intricate structures with greater clarity.

The da Vinci Robotic Surgery System is versatile and can be used across a wide range of specialties, including:

General Surgery: Hiatal hernia repair, gallbladder removal, colon resection
Urology: Prostate surgery, kidney surgery, bladder reconstruction
Gynecology: Hysterectomy, myomectomy, endometriosis surgery
Otolaryngology (ENT): Head and neck cancer surgery, sinus surgery
Cardiac Surgery: Minimally invasive valve repair procedures

The da Vinci System also provides numerous benefits to both surgeons and patients, revolutionizing the healthcare industry with:

Minimally Invasive Surgery

The system uses smaller cuts than open surgery to reduce pain, blood loss, and infection risks.

Improved Cosmetic Outcomes

Smaller incisions typically translate to less noticeable scarring.

Improved Access

The da Vinci system’s advanced instruments can reach areas of the body that might be difficult or impossible to access with traditional techniques, broadening the scope of possible surgeries.

Ergonomics

The surgeon operates while seated at a console, reducing fatigue and discomfort during lengthy procedures.

Enhanced Precision and Dexterity

The robotic arms offer a wider range of motion and tremor filtration, allowing for more precise movements and reducing human error.

Improved Visualization

The 3D camera provides a magnified, high-definition view of the surgical site, improving visualization.

Mako Robotic Arm-Assisted Surgery

The Mako system is a robotic-arm-assisted technology specially designed to improve the accuracy and precision of orthopedic procedures, particularly joint replacement surgery.

Mako surgery consists of three key components:

Personalized Pre-Operative Plan: Before surgery, surgeons use a CT scan of the patient’s joint to create a personalized 3D model to determine the optimal size, placement, and alignment of the implant.
Robotic Arm: The Mako robotic arm provides real-time data and tactile feedback to ensure accurate bone preparation and implant placement.
Mako System Software: The Mako software continuously monitors the procedure, providing visual, auditory, and tactile feedback to help the surgeon make real-time adjustments.

Applications

The Mako system precisely aligns and positions the knee implant, improving its longevity and functionality.

The surgical robot targets only the damaged section, preserving your knee’s healthy bone and tissue.

The Mako system ensures accurate hip implant placement, which is crucial for restoring natural joint movement and reducing the risk of dislocation.

Benefits

Customized Planning: The system allows for a personalized surgical plan based on the patient’s unique anatomy in a pre-defined area.
Increased Precision: The robotic arm enhances the surgeon’s ability to perform precise bone cuts and accurate implant placement.
Reduced Wear and Tear: Accurate implant positioning can minimize wear and tear, potentially increasing the lifespan of the joint replacement.
Enhanced Surgeon Control: The system provides real-time feedback with built-in sensors, helping surgeons make more informed decisions during the procedure.

Meet Our Surgeons

Advantages of Medical Robotics-Assisted Surgery

Integrating robotic assistance with surgical expertise has redefined what is possible in the operating room. Here’s how medical robots have improved patient care.

Robotic systems offer surgeons greater control and dexterity with instruments that can maneuver beyond the human hand’s capabilities. This precision is crucial in delicate procedures where accuracy is paramount, such as nerve-sparing surgeries or intricate soft tissue repairs.

Robot-assisted surgery typically involves smaller incisions than traditional open surgery, causing less trauma to adjacent tissues, reducing bleeding during procedures, and, ultimately, accelerating patients’ recovery times.

Modern robotic systems provide high-definition, 3D visualization of the surgical site, helping surgeons navigate complex anatomy and identify structures with greater clarity. Better visualization contributes to safer surgeries and reduces the likelihood of complications.

By following a precise surgical plan and receiving real-time feedback during the procedure, surgeons can achieve reliable results, ensuring that each patient receives optimal care tailored to their specific needs.

Smaller incisions translate to less tissue damage, leading to quicker healing and fewer postoperative complications such as infections or wound-related issues. Faster recovery times improve patient satisfaction and contribute to overall healthcare cost savings by reducing hospitalization duration.

Types of Procedures Using Surgical Robots

Prostatectomy

Robotic-assisted prostatectomy removes the prostate gland in cases of prostate cancer. The robotic system allows the surgeon to extract the prostate while preserving surrounding nerves and tissues critical for urinary control and sexual function.

Hysterectomy

The procedure removes the uterus and possibly other reproductive organs using robotic technology.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Surgeons utilize robotic systems to form a stomach pouch and redirect the intestines to reduce calorie absorption and accelerate weight loss.

Cardiac Surgery

We can also use robotic technology for heart procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and mitral valve repair. The precise movements and visualization help surgeons perform intricate heart surgeries with enhanced accuracy.

Colorectal Surgery

Robotic-assisted colorectal surgery involves utilizing the same technologies for procedures such as colectomies (removal of part or all of the colon) and rectal resections. The robotic technology ensures precise control in confined pelvic areas, accelerating recovery and lowering the complication risks.

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgeons utilize robotic technology in joint procedures, such as total hip joint and knee joint replacements. The robotic system allows for optimal implant alignment and precise bone cuts, improving joint function and longevity.

Thoracic Surgery

Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery includes procedures like lung lobectomy and mediastinal tumor resection. The robotic system enables surgeons to access and manipulate delicate structures within the chest cavity with enhanced precision, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.

Neurosurgery

Robot-assisted neurosurgery involves procedures like tumor removal, spinal surgery, and deep brain stimulation. The enhanced precision helps neurosurgeons navigate delicate structures in the brain and spine more accurately, minimizing risks to adjacent healthy tissues.

FAQs About Robotic Surgery

Traditional surgery uses large incisions to provide direct access to the operative site. Robotic surgery, on the other hand, is a minimally invasive approach that utilizes small incisions. The surgeon sits at a console, manipulating robotic arms with instruments that mimic life-like limb functionality but with greater precision and control.

Yes, robotic surgery is considered safe—it combines the expertise of skilled surgeons with advanced technology, enhancing precision and reducing the risk of complications. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Your doctor will explore the pros and cons of robotic surgery for your specific condition to help you make an informed decision.

No, a skilled surgeon guides the robotic system, translating their movements into precise actions by the robotic instruments.

The recovery time for robotic surgery varies by specific procedure and the patient—generally, patients who undergo robotic surgery experience faster healing periods than those who undergo traditional open surgery.

The decision to utilize robotic surgery depends on various factors, including the specific procedure and your medical history. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks to determine if robotic surgery is the most suitable option for you.

Most insurance plans cover robotic surgery if it is deemed medically necessary. However, coverage can vary, so it’s essential to check with your insurance provider and the hospital’s billing department to understand your specific coverage and any out-of-pocket costs.