The Robot

The da Vinci Surgical System allows physicians to perform minimally invasive procedures that before, could not have been done using traditional surgical techniques.  With the use of robotic-assisted surgery our doctors can now perform complex surgery using 1-2cm incisions.  What's more, a recovery period of less than 48 hours- half the time after a conventional surgery- let's our patients go home with significantly less pain, and virtually no scarring.

Seated at a console, the physician views the surgical area through a tiny endoscope camera that reveals three-dimensional images magnified significantly larger than the actual size.  The controls at the console allow the physician to move the robotic 'hands' with precision, eliminating the natural tremor of even the steadiest of human hands.

Most commonly used in the treatment of urological and gynecological conditions including prostate and gyn cancers, da Vinci is benefiting patients who without this technology may not be candidates for minimally invasive procedures.  'Robotics-guided technology is the future of care. And at Southwest, the future is now,' says R. Scott Rushing, MD.