Demonstrating Excellence: Inside Valley’s Robotic Surgery Program

Robotic surgery is transforming how surgical procedures are performed, offering enhanced precision, smaller incisions, and quicker recovery times. Valley Medical Center has a comprehensive robotic surgery program providing advanced surgical care and has a Center of Excellence designation. In this video, Heather Wheeler, MD, general surgeon and medical director of the operating rooms, and Greta Bernier, MD, colorectal surgeon and medical director of the robotic surgery program, take us through a demonstration of how robotic surgery works and its benefits for patients. An overview of the conversation can be found below the video.

What is Robotic Surgery?
Unlike traditional “open” surgery, where large incisions (cuts) are made by the surgeon, robotic surgery takes things a step further. Surgeons use a console to control robotic arms that hold surgical instruments, allowing for greater precision and flexibility than ever before.

As Dr. Wheeler explains, “The robot is a specialized instrument that gives us better enhancements during surgery, enabling us to perform operations more safely and expand the options we can provide to patients.”

The Demonstration: How It Works
In the video, Dr. Wheeler and Dr. Bernier demonstrate the setup and operation of the robotic system. The setup begins with a “patient cart” that has four robotic arms. The critical element is the trocar, a metal sleeve that is inserted into the patient’s abdomen through a small incision. Once the trocar is in place, the robot’s arms are connected, allowing the surgeon to insert instruments and a camera to visualize the surgical site.

The surgeon then moves to the console, where they control the robotic arms with precise movements. This system allows the surgeon to perform complex procedures with a level of control and accuracy that surpasses traditional methods. The video highlights a mock operation where Dr. Bernier uses the robot to suture a piece of mesh that would typically be used during a hernia repair. The 3D visualization provided by the console is so detailed that every fiber of the gauze used in the demonstration is clearly visible.

Valley Medical Center’s Center of Excellence
One of the standout points of the video is Valley Medical Center’s designation as a Center of Excellence in robotic surgery. This recognition validates the high standard of care provided at Valley. The review process evaluated every aspect of robotic surgery at the center, from pre-operative assessments to post-operative recovery and follow-up care. “We’re very proud of this designation,” says Dr. Bernier. “It shows that every step of our care for robotic surgery patients is at a top-notch level.”

Types of Robotic Surgeries at Valley
Robotic surgery at Valley Medical Center is used across various specialties. Dr. Bernier uses it for colectomies, which involve removing sections of the colon, often due to conditions like colon cancer or diverticulitis. Dr. Wheeler and her colleagues perform many hernia repairs using the robot. Urologists at Valley use it for kidney, bladder, and prostate surgeries, while gynecologists utilize robotic assistance for various pelvic surgeries, including those related to cancer. Our endocrine surgeon also uses it for thyroid and adrenal gland surgeries.

For more information about Valley’s surgical services and robotic surgery visit our surgical services and robotic surgery webpages.

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The information shared in the video above represents the opinions of the individual healthcare provider(s) featured. Our DocTalk presenters will sometimes give a general overview including risks, symptoms, and treatments for the medical conditions they are addressing. Therefore, they may not cover specific details that would be available in other resources or in an appointment with a provider about your own healthcare conditions. Please also note that the written summary may not capture every detail contained in the video, and additional information might only be in the video format. Our goal is to inform, educate, and inspire healthier living. If you have any questions about the video content, please contact us HERE.