Robotic Surgery FAQ

What is robotic surgical system and how can it help me?

The robotic surgical system is a tool that utilizes advanced, robotic technologies to assist your surgeon with your operation. It does not act on its own and its movements are controlled by your surgeon. The surgeon is 100% in control of the robotic-assisted system. The robotic surgical system has a 3D high definition (3D-HD) vision system, special instruments and computer software that allow your surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control. The 3D-HD image can be magnified up to 10 times so your surgeon has a close-up view of the area he or she is operating on. The robotic instruments have mechanical wrists that bend and rotate to mimic the movements of the human wrist -- allowing your surgeon to make small, precise movements inside your body. And, robotic software can minimize the effects of a surgeon's hand tremors on instrument movements. The robotic surgical system is an effective, minimally invasive alternative to both open surgery and laparoscopy. Georgetown Community Hospital's robotic surgery platform is changing the experience of surgery for both surgeons and their patients.

Benefits for the Surgeons: Physicians strive to deliver the best care for their patients possible. Robotic surgery is a tool that enables the physician to elevate patient care to a level never known before.

10X magnification in 3D allows the physician the clearest, closest view possible
Greater dexterity completely eliminates any potential tremor or shake
Superior precision turns each surgical maneuver into precise, micro-movements

Benefits for the Patient: Because robotic-assisted surgery is conducted by making tiny incisions and making smaller surgical movements, patient benefits are incomparable to traditional surgical methods.

Tiny incisions and smaller surgical movements mean less pain
Shortened hospital stays
Faster road to recovery
Fewer complications like blood loss and infection

What kinds of surgery can be done using the daVinci System at Georgetown Community Hospital?

Anti-Reflux Surgery
Bariatric Surgery
Bladder Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Gallbladder (Single-Site)
Female Pelvic Floor Reconstruction
Hernias
Kidney Disorders/Cancer
Prostate Cancer

Is robotic surgery safe?

Over the past decade, hundreds of studies have been published on the use of the robotic surgical system demonstrating improved surgical outcomes when compared to open surgery. To date, more than 1.5 million surgeries have been per worldwide using the robotic surgical system.

Talk with your doctor about all treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits of each. If surgery is the option you choose, talk with your doctor about whether robotic surgery is right for you. Your doctor's training; experience and judgment are important factors to consider when making this decision.

Is robotic surgery covered by insurance?

Surgery with the robotic surgical system is a type of minimally invasive surgery. Most insurance plans include robotic surgery in their minimally invasive coverage. Major insurance plans, including United, Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield, cover robotic surgery. Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage.

Medical Advice & Surgeon Training

Patients should talk to their doctor to decide if robotic surgery is right for them. Other options may be available and appropriate. Only a doctor can determine whether robotic surgery is appropriate for a patient's situation. Patients and doctors should review all available information on both non-surgical and surgical options in order to make an informed decision.

Physicians Utilizing the daVinci Surgical System:

Georgetown Bariatrics & Advanced Surgical Services
Eric Smith, DO - General & Bariatric Procedures
Phone: 502.570.3727
Fax: 502.570.3753

Central Kentucky General Surgery
Danielle Dietz, MD - General Surgery Procedures
Phone: 502.570.3778
Fax: 502.570.3779

Georgetown Bariatrics & Advanced Surgical Services
Richard Montgomery, MD - General Surgery Procedures
Phone: 502.570.3727
Fax: 502.570.3753

Thomas Slabaugh, Jr., MD - Urology Procedures
Phone: 859.258.6450
Fax: 859.258.6499