Robotic-Assisted Surgery

UnityPoint Health is proud to provide the highest-quality, technologically-advanced surgical care. Our innovative standards of surgical practice are applied to both new and traditional practices.

Revolutionizing Robotic Surgery

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a condition that may require surgery, you owe it to yourself to learn about all of your surgical options, including the most effective, least invasive surgical treatments available: robotic-assisted surgery. 

Benefits of robotic surgery. Compared to traditional techniques, the very small incisions created by robotic surgery drastically reduce patients' time in the hospital and their risk of infections. The use of high-definition 3D cameras allows surgeons close-up views of areas they aren't able to see during open surgery. Fully articulating robotic arms mimic the movement of hands, allowing surgeons to have greater dexterity and control than is possible with conventional laparoscopic instruments.

  • Less Pain
  • Less Invasive
  • Smaller incisions for minimal scarring
  • Less risk of infection or other complications
  • Possibility of Single Site Robotics
  • More Precise
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Faster Return to Normal Daily Activities
  • Potentially Better Clinical Outcomes

Robotic Surgery: More than a Machine

Our expert teams of orthopedic surgeons offer robotic-assisted surgery to combine a robot's accuracy and a surgeon's expertise. Whether you are fighting cancer, in need of a joint replacement, struggling with obesity or chronic pain, robotic-assisted surgery presents the surgical solution to many serious health conditions. 

The robotic surgery process. While the procedures vary, the process of robotic surgery typically involves the following:

  • Throughout the robotic surgery the surgeon sits at a special console.
  • A very small 3D camera and dime-sized surgical instruments are placed inside the patient through tiny incisions. The camera gives the surgeon a magnified 360 degree view of the operative field.
  • Using the console's hand and foot controls, the surgeon remotely moves robotic arms attached to surgical instruments. A second surgeon is positioned at the operating table to confirm the correct placement of the surgical instruments.

Common Robotic Surgeries

Depending on your location, operations performed at UnityPoint Health using robotic surgery may include:

  • Prostatectomy (prostate removal)
  • Pyeloplasty (for blockage of the urinary system)
  • Nephrectomy (kidney removal)
  • Partial nephrectomy (partial removal of the kidney)
  • Hysterectomy (uterus removal)
  • Sacral colpopexy (vaginal prolapse)
  • Myomectomy (fibroid removal)
  • Endometriosis procedures
  • Fallopian tubal reversal
  • Colon resections
  • Cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal)
  • Adrenalectomy (adrenal gland removal)
  • Nissen procedure (procedure to correct acid reflux or GERD)
  • Ileostomy (bowel diversion surgery)
  • Partial knee replacement

Common Robotic Surgery Types

da Vinci

The da Vinci Si Surgical Robot allows doctors to operate with greater precision and minimal discomfort for the patient. The da Vinci robot is used in several surgical specialties and conditions including:

  • Gynecological Surgery
  • Gallbladder Surgery
  • Urologic Surgery 

The da Vinci Xi Surgical System is available in many UnityPoint Health operating rooms.

The added benefits of this technology aids our surgeons performing robot-assisted surgeries in our operating rooms.

 

The Xi System immersive 3D-HD vision system provides surgeons a highly magnified view, virtually extending their eyes and hands inside the patient. The new surgical robot has an expandable technology platform designed to accommodate and seamlessly integrate a range of current technologies in areas such as imaging, advanced instruments and anatomical access.

The da Vinci surgical robot allows surgeons to operate through tiny openings – about the size of a dime. The surgeon uses a special console with hand and foot controls to move the robotic arms, which hold the instruments to operate. A small, 3D-HD camera helps surgeons see and perform intricate surgical procedures. The robot translates the surgeons' natural hand motions at the control console into corresponding movements of the robotic instruments.

Mako SmartRobotics™

Mako SmartRobotics™ is an innovative solution for many suffering from painful arthritis of the knee or hip. Mako uses 3D CT-based planning software so your surgeon can know more about your anatomy to create a personalized joint replacement surgical plan. This 3D model is used to preplan and assist your surgeon in performing your joint replacement procedure.

In the operating room, your surgeon follows your personalized surgical plan while preparing the bone for the implant. The surgeon guides Mako’s robotic arm within the predefined area, and Mako’s AccuStop™ technology helps the surgeon stay within the planned boundaries that were defined when the personalized preoperative plan was created. By guiding your doctor during surgery, Mako’s AccuStop™ technology allows your surgeon to cut less by cutting precisely what’s planned1-3 to help protect your healthy bone.4-8

It’s important to understand that the surgery is performed by an orthopaedic surgeon, who guides Mako’s robotic arm during the surgery to position the implant in the knee and hip joints. Mako SmartRobotics™ does not perform surgery, make decisions on its own or move without the surgeon guiding it. Mako SmartRobotics™ also allows your surgeon to make adjustments to your plan during surgery as needed.

Total knee vs. partial knee replacement

Based on the severity of the arthritis in the knee, total or partial knee replacement may be recommended by a surgeon. Both procedures involve the orthopaedic surgeon guiding Mako’s robotic arm to remove diseased bone and cartilage.

Mako SmartRobotics™ for Partial Knee replacement is a treatment option for adults living with early- to midstage osteoarthritis (OA) that has not yet progressed to all three compartments of the knee. Depending on where the arthritis affects the knee, patients may have an implant inserted in any of the following areas:

  • In a unicondylar knee replacement, only one area (or compartment) of the joint is replaced.
  • A patellofemoral knee replacement replaces the kneecap (or patella) and the grove at the lower end of the thighbone (or femur).
  • A bicompartmental knee replacement affects two compartments of the knee – the inside (medial) and knee cap.

In comparison, Mako SmartRobotics™ for Total Knee replacement is a treatment option for adults living with mid- to late-stage osteoarthritis of the knee. With a Mako Total Knee replacement, the entire knee joint is replaced, and the surgeon inserts a Triathlon Total Knee implant. With over a decade of clinical history, Triathlon knee replacements are different than traditional knee replacements because they are designed to work with the body to promote natural-like circular motion.9-11

  • Mako SmartRobotics™ for Total Hip replacement is intended for patients who suffer from noninflammatory or inflammatory degenerative joint disease (DJD). Some forms of DJD include osteoarthritis (OA), post-traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), avascular necrosis (AVN) and hip dysplasia.
CORI

The CORI Surgical System is an advancement in the way orthopedic surgeons perform partial and total knee replacement. This handheld device works in conjunction with your surgeon's skilled hands to achieve accurate positioning of components during planning and surgery. The benefits of this surgical system include:

  • A unique plan: With 3D modeling, you get a surgical plan that's customized to your unique anatomy. This means your surgeon can perform your procedure efficiently and more accurately than traditional knee replacement surgery.
  • A natural fit: With a robotics-assisted procedure, your surgeon can help you keep more of your natural bone and ligaments, including the ACL. This means your body can maintain more of its natural rhythm and step.
  • A wide selection: Your surgeon is choosing from the widest selection of knee implants. This means your surgeon can choose the implant best suited to you and made from materials that are designed to last. 
VELYS

The VELYS robotic-assisted solution uses a variety of advanced technologies to ensure the surgeon has the information and tools needed to perform a highly accurate and precise knee replacement. This solution is designed to:

  • Aid your surgeon by accessing state-of-the-art technology to provide insights for real-time decision making.
  • Help your surgeon remove the damaged bone with accuracy. This robotic-assisted device does not move or operate on its own.
  • Use an infrared camera and optical trackers to help your surgeon gather the necessary data about your anatomy to achieve a high level of precision.

References

Maco SmartRobotics Information
  1. Bell SW, Anthony I, Jones B, MacLean A, Rowe P, Blyth M. Improved accuracy of component positioning with robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: data from a prospective, randomized controlled study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2016;98(8):627-635. doi:10.2106/JBJS.15.00664
  2. Illgen RL, Bukowski BR, Abiola R, et al. Robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty: outcomes at minimum two year follow up. Surg Technol Int. 2017;30:365-372.
  3. Mahoney O, Kinsey T, Mont M, Hozack W, Orozco F, Chen A. Can computer generated 3D bone models improve the accuracy of total knee component placement compared to manual instrumentation? A prospective multi-center evaluation. Poster presented at: 32nd Annual Congress of the International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty; October 2-5, 2019; Toronto, Canada.
  4. Suarez-Ahedo C, Gui C, Martin TJ, Chandrasekaran S, Lodhia P, Domb BG. Robotic-arm assisted total hip arthroplasty results in smaller acetabular cup size in relation to the femoral head size: a matched-pair controlled study. Hip Int. 2017;27(2):147-152. doi:10.5301/hipint.5000418
  5. Kayani B, Konan S, Pietrzak JRT, Haddad FS. Iatrogenic bone and soft tissue trauma in robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty compared with conventional jig-based total knee arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study and validation of a new classification system. J Arthroplasty. 2018;33(8):2496-2501. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2018.03.042
  6. Hozack WJ. Multicentre analysis of outcomes after robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty. Bone Joint J:Orthop Proc. 2018;100-B(Supp_12):38.
  7. Banks SA. Haptic robotics enable a systems approach to design of a minimally invasive modular knee arthroplasty. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ0. 2009;38(2 Suppl):23-27.
  8. Hampp E, Chang TC, Pearle A. Robotic partial knee arthroplasty demonstrated greater bone preservation compared to robotic total knee arthroplasty. Poster presented at: Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting; February 2-5, 2019; Austin, TX.
  9. Piazza S. Designed to maintain collateral ligament stability throughout the range of motion. Stryker-Initiated Dynamic Computer Simulations of Passive ROM and Oxford Rig Test. 2003.
  10. Wang H, Simpson KJ, Ferrara MS, Chamnongkich S, Kinsey T, Mahoney OM. Biomechanical differences exhibited during sit-to-stand between total knee arthroplasty designs of varying radii. J Arthroplasty. 2006;21(8):1193-1199. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2006.02.172
  11. Gómez-Barrena E, Fernandez-García C, Fernandez-Bravo A, Cutillas-Ruiz R, Bermejo-Fernandez G. Functional performance with a single-radius femoral design total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2010;468(5):1214-1220. doi:10.1007/s11999-009-1190-2

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We know each surgery experience is unique and special. At UnityPoint Health, you have access to a full spectrum of surgery services and support to meet your every need. From simple to complex surgical procedures, our entire care team works together to support you. See inpatient surgery services offered at our hospitals below, or view all our surgery locations.

Please note: specific surgery availability may vary by location.