What are the advantages of the da Vinci surgical robot and what diseases can it treat?

NUPHAT YODKHUNNATHAM,M.D.

What is the da Vinci surgical robot?

The da Vinci surgical robot is a surgical technology developed further from minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon controls every step of the operation through a console system and high-precision robotic arms. This system allows the surgeon to operate efficiently in deep, narrow, or complex structural areas, reducing impact on surrounding tissues, reducing blood loss, and reducing the chance of surgical complications. As a result, patients experience less postoperative pain, recover faster, and can return to daily life sooner, helping improve patients’ quality of life after treatment.

Operating system of the da Vinci surgical robot

The da Vinci surgical robot system consists of 3 main parts.

1. Surgeon Console

This is the position where the surgeon sits and controls the robotic arms in real time through a 3D high-definition vision system. The movements of the surgeon’s hands and fingers are translated into highly precise commands transmitted to the robotic arms, helping increase accuracy during surgery.

2. Robotic Arms

Consist of multiple small robotic arms equipped with a camera and surgical instruments. The robotic arms can rotate and move freely, mimicking the function of the human wrist but capable of moving at greater angles, with higher precision and stability, enabling effective access to deep, narrow, or complex structural areas.

3. Computer Control Tower

Functions as the central unit for processing and controlling system operations, connecting and transmitting high-resolution images from the surgical camera to the surgeon console, while coordinating the entire system continuously.

Highlights of da Vinci robotic surgery compared with open surgery

Access deep and complex structural areas effectively
Precise motion control, increasing accuracy and reducing deviation during surgery
Small surgical incisions, reducing injury to surrounding tissues
Reduce postoperative complication rate by 39%
Less blood loss, reducing the chance of blood transfusion by 70%
Helps patients recover and return to daily life faster, reducing hospital stay by an average of 1.96 days

(Reference: Intuitive Surgical. Data on file: unpublished meta-analysis of 253 peer-reviewed studies, 2010–2020.)

What diseases can the da Vinci surgical robot treat?

Abdominal diseases

For example

Colorectal cancer
Liver cancer
Hernia
Gallstones
Abdominal organ surgery requiring high precision

This technology helps surgeons separate tissue layers precisely, especially in areas with complex structures.

Urinary system diseases

Prostate cancer
Kidney cancer
Bladder cancer
Ureter and renal pelvis cancer
Adrenal gland tumors
Reconstructive surgery of the upper and lower urinary tract

In prostate surgery, the precise control system helps avoid or protect important nerves, reducing effects on urinary continence and sexual function. In addition, in kidney tumor surgery, the precise system allows removal of only the tumor while preserving healthy kidney tissue, resulting in a higher chance of successful treatment.

Gynecologic diseases

For example

Hysterectomy or uterine tumor surgery
Ovarian surgery or ovarian tumor surgery
Surgery for abnormalities in the pelvic region

Robotic-assisted surgery helps reduce blood loss and reduce the chance of adhesions after surgery.

Chest and lung diseases

For example

Lung cancer
Thoracic tumors

Robotic-assisted surgery helps reduce the need for large open thoracic surgery, reducing impact on the ribs and thoracic tissues.

da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery at Praram 9 Hospital

Praram 9 Hospital provides surgery with da Vinci robotic-assisted technology by a team of specialized surgeons with experience in multiple fields, together with a multidisciplinary team that closely cares for patients, along with modern medical technology and equipment, so that patients receive effective treatment suitable for each individual patient.

Those who wish to inquire for more information about da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery or are considering treatment options with robotic-assisted technology can receive consultation from the specialized surgeon team of Praram 9 Hospital to evaluate the appropriate treatment approach for each patient’s condition.

For more information