The da Vinci Surgical Robot - Frequently Asked Questions

Dr.Vikas Agarwal, 5 mins read

Q1. What is the da Vinci Xi surgical robot?

The da Vinci Xi is the advanced version of da Vinci, a surgical robot by Intuitive Surgical. It allows for the least invasive surgeries with greater precision, and dexterity and provides better outcomes. With this, the surgeon is in more control of the surgery and is better able to perform complex and multi-quadrant surgeries. The surgical system consists of three main components:

• A Surgeon Console, where the surgeon sits, sees the anatomy of the patient in real-time and controls the robotic arms attached to the Patient Cart placed near the patient.
• A Patient Cart, which has four moveable hands that are equipped with a camera and surgical instruments.
• A Vision Cart, which has a screen and other devices that allow caregivers to keep a watch on the surgery and other vitals.

Q2. What procedures can be performed with the da Vinci Xi surgical robot?

The da Vinci Xi surgical robot can be used to perform a wide range of procedures, including:

• Cardiac surgeries

1. Mitral valve repair
2. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

• Colorectal surgeries

1. Colon resection surgery
2. Rectal resection surgery
3. Rectopexy or rectal prolapse surgery

• Urology surgeries

1. Cystectomy
2. Pyeloplasty
3. Cyst removal
4. Prostatectomy
5. Ureteral implantation
6. Partial and total nephrectomy

• General surgeries

1. Spleen surgery
2. Bariatric surgery
3. Stomach surgery
4. Pancreas surgery
5. Gallbladder surgery
6. Small bowel surgery
7. Ventral hernia repair
8. Inguinal hernia repair
9. Acid reflux disease surgery

• Gynaecology surgeries

1. Myomectomy
2. Hysterectomy
3. Endometriosis resection
4. Pelvic organ prolapse surgery

• Head and neck surgeries

1. Certain benign and malignant tumour surgeries.

• Thoracic (chest) surgeries

1. Lung biopsy
2. Lung surgery
3. Thymectomy
4. Mediastinal mass resection

Q3. How Does the da Vinci Xi Surgical System Work?

Once the patient is sedated, surgeons start their work. First, small marks are made on the skin where the incision would be made. Then, the surgeon makes a small incision and inserts the instruments attached to the Patient Cart into the patient’s body. These instruments include various tools like an endoscopic camera with lighting, magnification, temperature control, a scalpel, etc. These instruments are manipulated by the surgeon sitting at the Surgeon Console.

Once the surgery is done, all instruments will be withdrawn from the patient’s body. Then, the patient will be shifted to a special unit where he will be continuously monitored by care providers.

Q4. What are the benefits of using the da Vinci Xi surgical robot?

The da Vinci Xi surgical robot offers a number of potential benefits over traditional open surgery, including:

• Least invasive: Using the da Vinci Xi surgical robot, many complex urology surgeries can be performed through small incisions. This reduces blood loss, scarring and post-operative pain.
• Less risk of complications: The enhanced visualisation of the patient’s anatomy allows the surgeon to perform surgeries with more safety and accuracy.
• Improved precision: The precise movements and 3D HD visualisation help surgeons accurately perform the operation and minimise damage to surrounding tissues and nerves.
• Quicker recovery: Patients who are operated on through this surgical robot usually have shorter hospital stays and recovery periods compared to open or traditional surgeries. This improves outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Q5. Are there any risks associated with using the da Vinci Xi surgical robot?

As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with using the da Vinci Xi surgical robot. Some of these risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Injury to nerves or organs
• Death

But these risks are extremely rare. Most of the surgeries done through the da Vinci Surgical Robot are successful. These risks can be mitigated by choosing a surgeon who has expertise in performing surgeries through the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot.

Q6. What’s special about the da Vinci Xi surgical robot than previous versions?

The da Vinci Xi surgical robot has a novel overhead structure, extended instrument reach, slimmer boom-mounted arms, guided targeting, integrated auxiliary technology, advanced endoscope, 3D HD visualisation, and wristed instruments making this robot excellent for technically challenging surgeries like multi-quadrant operations.

Q7. Who is a good candidate for da Vinci Xi robotic surgery?

The da Vinci Xi surgical robot is not appropriate for all patients. Some factors that may affect a patient's eligibility for da Vinci Xi robotic surgery include:

• The patient's anatomy
• The patient's overall health
• The type of procedure being performed

You can consult your doctor to know whether you are the right fit for the surgery. Based on various factors, the doctor will advise you in the right direction.

Q8. How much does da Vinci Xi robotic surgery cost in India?

The da Vinci Xi is a highly advanced surgical robot that has proven benefits. Since it is an expensive system and only a few centres in India are equipped with it, the surgeries done through the da Vinci Xi surgical robot are a bit costlier than traditional (open) surgeries. The cost may vary depending on the type of procedure being performed, the patient's insurance coverage, and the hospital where the surgery is performed.

Q9. Can I get a second opinion on whether I am a good candidate for da Vinci Xi robotic surgery?

Yes, you should always get a second opinion from another surgeon before making a decision about whether to have the da Vinci Xi robotic surgery. This is especially important if you have any concerns about the risks or benefits of the procedure.

Q10. Is da Vinci Xi robotic surgery safe?

Yes. The da Vinci Xi surgical robot is approved by various reputed organisations like the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) to carry out surgeries. The surgical system is designed to perform complex surgeries in the safest manner, it can even filter out any hand tremors of surgeons in real-time.

Q11. What are the key features of the da Vinci Xi Surgical System?

• Enhance Dexterity

The robot features four interactive robotic arms that provide surgeons with enhanced precision and dexterity. Each of the robotic arms has multiple joints and can hold multiple surgical instruments. This allows delicate manoeuvres and a wide range of motion. The best part is that these arms can replicate a surgeon’s hand movements while filtering out any hand tremors in real-time.

• High Definition 3D Display Stereo Viewer

The Surgeon Console is integrated with a 3D high-definition vision system that allows surgeons to see the clear, magnified and 3D view of the anatomy in real-time. As a result, surgeons can more accurately and meticulously perform surgeries and minimise damage to nearby nerves and tissues.

• EndoWrist Instruments

One of the good things about da Vinci Xi is that it has EndoWrist instruments, meaning the instruments can mimic the natural movements of the hand and wrist. This allows for intricate and precise manoeuvres within the patient’s body.

• Firefly Fluorescence Imaging

This specialised imaging uses a dye that fluoresces under near-infrared light. This helps surgeons to better visualise tissue perfusion, blood vessels, and other structures in real time. Thus, helping in performing delicate surgeries.

• Teleoperation and Ergonomics

The design of da Vinci Xi allows teleoperation, meaning the surgeon can control the robot’s movement while sitting at the Surgeon Console away from the patient. Also, as this ergonomic setup gives comfort to the surgeon, he/she can more easily perform lengthy procedures without much fatigue, contributing to sustained performance.

Q12. Why is it called da Vinci surgical robot?

The robot got its name “da Vinci” from the name of Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest anatomists because his studies of human studies led to the design of the first known robot in history.

Q13. Is da Vinci Xi robotic surgery painful?

No. As the patient is sedated during the procedure, he doesn’t experience any pain. Also, the post-operative pain is near zero or very minimal because it uses the least invasive techniques. This means less medication may be required after surgery.

Q14. How long does the da Vinci Xi surgery last?

The da Vinci Xi surgical robot can be used for a range of procedures. Depending on the procedure and complexities associated with it, the time of surgery can vary. Due to its ergonomic design, surgeons can easily and comfortably perform lengthy procedures.

Q15. Is da Vinci Xi robotic surgery better than laparoscopic?

Both da Vinci Xi and laparoscopic procedures are minimally invasive compared to traditional open surgeries. However, the technology and benefits of robotic procedures are better than laparoscopic procedures. We can say robots are the advanced version of laparoscopic procedures. Using a robot, a surgeon can reach places where their hands cannot in both open and laparoscopic procedures and it can filter natural hand tremors of surgeons.