Colorectal Overview
General Surgery
When you have tried medication, lifestyle changes and other non-surgical treatments but still don't have relief from your symptoms, surgery is the accepted treatment for a broad range of conditions.
While surgery is generally the most effective treatment option for a range of abdominal and other conditions, traditional open surgery with a large incision has its drawbacks – pain, trauma, a long recovery time and a risk of infection.
As a result, surgery can be a scary proposition for a patient, no matter how routine the procedure. If surgery is recommended, you want to learn as much as you can about your surgical options — including minimally invasive options — and find the physician and hospital that are right for you.
Fortunately, alternatives to a large open incision are now available to more patients facing surgery. The most common of these is laparoscopic surgery, in which smaller incisions are used. While laparoscopy is effective for many routine procedures, it has inherent limitations when more intricate and complex surgery is required.
A New Category of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Thanks to the latest evolution in surgical technology, physicians now have an effective alternative to traditional open surgery and laparoscopy that may allow them to provide more of their patients with the best of both approaches.
With the assistance of the da Vinci ® Surgical System, surgeons can now operate using only 1-2 cm incisions, and with greater precision and control than ever before. da Vinci can help surgeons minimize the pain and risk associated with surgery while increasing the likelihood of a fast recovery and excellent clinical outcomes. And with da Vinci, they can provide these benefits to more of their patients than ever before. 1,2
Learn More
To learn more about the most advanced minimally invasive approach to general surgery, click here. If you would like to speak with a surgeon who uses the da Vinci System for general surgery procedures, use our surgeon locator.
1. Jacobsen G, Berger R, Horgan S. The role of robotic surgery in morbid obesity. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2003 Aug;13(4):279-83.
2. Snyder BE, Wilson T, Scarborough T, Yu S, Wilson EB. Lowering gastrointestinal leak rates: a comparative analysis of robotic and laparoscopic gastric bypass.J Robotic Surg. 2008.
While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci® System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.