Robotic Surgery
In 2002, Parkridge Medical Center became the first hospital in Chattanooga to offer area patients the benefits of da Vinci robotic surgery. Today, the Parkridge Health System offers our city’s newest robotic technology with the addition of the latest da Vinci Si system on the Parkridge East Hospital campus and the upgrade of the da Vinci system at Parkridge Medical Center to a new high definition format.
The physicians and staff of the Parkridge East Hospital and Parkridge Medical Center campuses are experienced in providing safe, efficient robotic surgery that allows most patients to resume normal activities faster.
What happens during robotic surgery?
During robotic procedures, a surgeon sits at the da Vinci Surgical SystemTM console a few feet away from the patient. The surgeon uses the system’s controls to operate a tiny camera called a laparoscope that creates a three-dimensional image of the surgical field. The surgeon also controls several electro-mechanically enhanced instruments which enter the body through tiny ports, or openings, made in the skin. These mechanical "hands" allow the surgeon to perform delicate surgical procedures, thanks to the technology’s ability to translate the surgeon's movements into precise, real-time movements of the instruments actually operating on the patients.
With nearly all of the natural movements of a human wrist, the robotic system eliminates natural hand tremors and improves dexterity. The result is surgery with less blood loss, a shorter recovery time and less injury to surrounding tissues.
Quick Facts
• Robotic technology allows very complex surgeries to be performed in a minimally invasive manner
• Unlike human hands, the robot is completely free of even the slightest tremor - important when conducting delicate microsurgery
• The robot can scale down movement with a ratio of five-to-one which allows tremendous accuracy
• The robot scope allows ten times the magnification of the human eye
The da Vinci Surgical Systems help improve clinical outcomes and redefine standards of care. Patients may experience the following benefits:
• Reduced trauma to the body.
• Reduced blood loss and need for transfusions.
• Less post-operative pain and discomfort.
• Less risk of infection.
• Shorter hospital stay.
• Faster recovery and return to normal daily activities.
• Less scarring.
