Robotic Surgery
Lapsurgery Australia can successfully perform gastric bypass surgery with the Da Vinci Xi surgical robot in Melbourne.
What is Robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery is performed with the Da Vinci Xi surgical robot. It is not autonomous but under the full control of the surgeon at all times via the surgeon console.
There are distinct benefits to using the Da Vinci robot during surgery. Having a steady platform and 3D vision means clearer and more precise views and superior ergonomics allowing our surgeons to carry out complex tasks precisely, like sewing to create joins in the bowel, which is a key part of Gastric Bypass surgery.
Robotic surgery is also called robot assisted surgery or Da Vinci surgery. It is best understood as the next evolution of keyhole surgery: the incisions are just as small, but the surgeon operates the instruments through the robot's precisely controlled arms rather than directly by hand. Our Melbourne surgeons are among a small number in Australia using robotic assistance for bariatric and complex abdominal procedures.
We have utilised robotic surgery, seeing these benefits in a variety of procedures including:
Is Robotic Surgery Better Than Standard Keyhole Surgery?
Both are excellent, and the honest answer is that the surgeon matters far more than the tool. What the robot adds is a rock steady 3D magnified view and fully wristed instruments that move like a human hand inside the abdomen, which comes into its own for complex sewing, revision operations where scar tissue is present, and intricate abdominal wall reconstruction.
The incisions and recovery are similar to standard keyhole surgery. Your surgeon will recommend robotic assistance where it genuinely benefits your operation, rather than for its own sake, and will discuss the reasoning with you at your consultation.
Our surgeons are trained and accredited to use the latest cutting edge Da Vinci Xi Robot.
Please discuss with your surgeon if you are a candidate for Robotic surgery.
Robotic Surgery Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about robotic assisted surgery
No. The Da Vinci Xi is not autonomous: it is under the full control of your surgeon at all times via the surgeon console. Every movement of the instruments is made by the surgeon, with the robot providing precision, stability and 3D vision.
Both are very safe in experienced hands, and the surgeon matters more than the tool. The robot's steady 3D vision and wristed instruments add precision for complex tasks such as sewing bowel joins, revision surgery and abdominal wall reconstruction, which is where we choose to use it.
Primary and revision Roux-en-Y gastric bypass including gastric band removal, conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to bypass, hiatus hernia repair and fundoplication, inguinal and abdominal wall hernia repairs, complex abdominal wall reconstruction and repair of rectus divarication.
Costs depend on the procedure being performed and your private health insurance rather than simply on whether robotic assistance is used. Full informed financial consent is provided after your consultation and before you commit to surgery. Contact us for a written estimate.
That depends on your operation and your history. Robotic assistance is most valuable for complex and revision procedures, and your surgeon will recommend it where it genuinely benefits your case. Discuss it at your consultation at one of our Melbourne locations.
The Da Vinci Xi, the latest generation surgical robot, operated by our surgeons who are trained and accredited in its use.
Have more questions? We're here to help.
Contact us for more informationRelated Procedures
Your Next Steps
Ready to take the next step? Here is how to get started.