Health & Wellness

How Robotic Surgery Is Transforming Patient Care

When you hear the term “robotic surgery,” you may wonder what it really means. Does a robot perform the procedure? How is this approach different from traditional surgery? What are the benefits and risks?

Health & Wellness Sponsor

Health and Wellness stories are made possible in part by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, a proud sponsor of Gig Harbor Now.

Two surgeons at St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor explain why advanced robotic surgery offers significant advantages for patients — making operations safer, faster, and easier on the body.

What is robotic surgery?

David Bailey, MD, FACS, a board certified surgeon, explains that in robotic surgery, the “robot” functions as an extension of the surgeon’s own hands. It provides 3D, high-definition vision and four independently controlled robotic arms. This setup allows surgeons to perform intricate movements with a degree of precision beyond that of the human hand, while they remain in full control of every aspect of the procedure.

A common misconception is that the robot operates on its own. “It serves as a remote-controlled tool rather than a device with its own intelligence,” Dr. Bailey says. “The surgeon retains full control throughout the operation.”

Dr. David Bailey

Today, robotic surgery accounts for about 20 percent of all surgeries in the United States, and that number continues to grow for both routine and more complex procedures. For example, robots are frequently used in general surgeries such as gallbladder removal or hernia repair. Robotic systems are also employed in cancer surgeries, minimally-invasive heart operations, and orthopedic procedures like knee and hip replacements. Although their specific role varies depending on the procedure, the goals are the same: to improve precision and keep the surgery as minimally invasive as possible.

The power of precision

In any medical procedure, patient safety is always the top priority. One of the biggest advantages of robotic surgery is the remarkable precision it brings to each operation. A key feature called “motion scaling” filters out natural hand tremors, allowing for microscopic accuracy. For example, while the surgeon might move their hand four centimeters, the robot’s movement may be scaled down to just one centimeter.

Another advantage is the superior 3D, high-definition visualization that enables surgeons to see structures more clearly during the procedure. Because of this enhanced view, they can often make smaller incisions, access harder-to-reach areas, and reduce trauma to surrounding tissue. Where large, open incisions were once necessary, many surgeries can now be performed through tiny ports, giving patients a shorter path to recovery.

Why choose robotic-assisted surgery?

While the steps of the procedure are often similar to traditional surgery, key benefits for patients include:

• Less pain and inflammation: Because robotic instruments are precise and rely on smaller incisions, there is significantly less trauma to the body. This often means quicker recovery, with the potential for patients to return home and resume daily activities much sooner compared to traditional surgery.
• Reduced need for narcotics: With less post-operative pain, many patients need fewer narcotics for pain management. This reduces the risk of side effects, such as constipation, and lowers the chance of becoming dependent on certain medications.
• Streamlined care: Advances in robotic surgery have made it possible to combine multiple surgical stages into a single procedure. For instance, instead of undergoing two separate surgeries to remove damaged tissue and repair a hernia, surgeons can now address both in one minimally- invasive operation.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see patients feeling good and healing in a fraction of the time it used to take,” shared Barrington Murrell, DO, a general surgeon.

Dr. Barrington Murrell

“I still remember when my mother had a hysterectomy when I was young. She came home from the hospital and had to remain in her room for nearly four weeks. Today, patients can go home the same day and get back to their lives much sooner.”

Choosing the right surgeon

Dr. Bailey emphasizes that the technology itself is secondary to the skill of the surgeon:

“Patients should prioritize the relationship and trust they have with their surgeon,” he says. “If you want a robotic procedure, look for a surgeon with extensive experience in the type of surgery you need. Rather than insisting on the technology first, find an experienced specialist who regularly performs that specific procedure.”

Dr. Bailey, an early adopter of robotic technology who began using robotics in residency, now trains other physicians around the world. Dr. Murrell, who started his medical career as a physician assistant before becoming a surgeon, also recalls robotic surgery’s early days and the many advantages it offers patients.

“People want to go back to work or other things they love and it’s exciting to offer them this opportunity,” he shared.

If you are a candidate for robotic-assisted surgery, talk to your doctor about whether it’s right for you. St. Anthony Hospital and other Virginia Mason Franciscan Health locations offer a full range of surgery options—from traditional to minimally invasive and robotic-assisted. Your care team can help determine the best approach to meet your health needs.

This article is provided by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and St. Anthony Hospital, which sponsors Gig Harbor Now’s Health and Wellness coverage. Gig Harbor Now retains editorial control over its health and wellness coverage under the sponsorship agreement.