The George Washington University Hospital was the first in the region to offer patients robotic surgery procedures using the sophisticated da Vinci Surgical System. Currently, GW Hospital has one of the largest robotic thoracic programs in the world and one of the region’s largest robotic prostate cancer programs.
Surgeons at GW Hospital have performed over 3,000 procedures — more than any other hospital in the region. Areas of treatment include:
Are You A Candidate For Robotic Surgery?
Your surgeon can help you decide if robotic surgery is the right option for you. To find a robotic surgeon, please call our free physician referral service at 1-888-449-3627
Why Robotic Surgery?
Minimally invasive surgical techniques allow surgeons to operate through small incisions or existing body openings, rather than making large incisions that accompany traditional open surgery. When surgeons perform conventional laparoscopic minimally invasive procedures, their vision, range of motion and access to desired areas of the body are at times limited because of the techniques used. Robotic surgery can alleviate those roadblocks to a much larger degree.
The da Vinci Surgical System offers maximum precision, 3D rotation and 3D magnification that can allow surgeons to maneuver into the confined spaces of the body. Using specialized instruments, this technology can provide a greater range of motion and precision to treat patients.
All robotic surgery procedures are minimally invasive, but not all minimally invasive procedures are performed robotically. Depending on your condition and the type of procedure you need, you may have options regarding the surgery technique. Talk to your physician to discuss what options are right for you.
The Benefits Of Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery provides a number of benefits to patients, including:
- Reduced pain and trauma to the body
- Less blood loss and reduced need for transfusions
- Less postoperative pain and discomfort
- Lower risk of infection
- Shorter hospital stays
- Quicker recovery and return to work
- Less scarring and improved cosmetics
- More precise surgery
Flexible Robotic Surgery
In 2017, GW Hospital expanded its robotic services to include the flexible Medrobotics Flex® Robotic System. Unlike straight, rigid instruments, the MedFlex robot bends and is designed to navigate the body’s twists and turns through natural openings. GW Hospital was the sixth hospital in the U.S. to obtain this robot. GW Hospital was the first hospital in the world to perform colorectal surgery with the MedFlex robot.
Currently, the system allows surgeons to reach difficult to reach areas through the mouth and anus. At GW Hospital, the robot is currently being used for:
- Head and neck surgery
- Colorectal surgery
*Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you.