Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery

Dr. William's Specializes in Minimally Invasive
Robotic Surgery


The da Vinci System has brought minimally invasive surgery to more than 3 million patients worldwide. da Vinci technology – changing the experience of surgery for people around the world.

With the da Vinci Surgical System, surgeons operate through just a few small incisions. The da Vinci System features a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human hand. As a result, da Vinci enables your surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, precision and control.

The da Vinci System represents the latest in surgical and robotics technologies. Your surgeon is 100% in control of the da Vinci System at all times. da Vinci technology translates your surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, precise movements of tiny instruments inside your body.

What is Robotic Surgery?


When a surgeon operates on a patient by using a robotic surgical machine, it is called a robotic surgery. The assistance of a robot allows surgeons to perform different types of complex procedures with many benefits when compared to conventional techniques. It is generally used for minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) which are performed through small incisions.

Since its launch in 1999, robotic surgery has subsequently reshaped the landscape of minimally invasive surgery in hospitals throughout the United States and Europe. In the year 2000, Da Vinci Surgical System (utilized by Dr. Williams) was approved for robotic surgery by the US Food and Drug Administration. In fact, Dr. Steven Williams was among the first to use the new technology as he finished his residency in Galveston, Texas at the University of Texas Medical Branch where two of the first, Standard type, da Vinci surgical robots were placed.

What Are The Benefits of Robotic Surgery?


When compared to traditional laparoscopy, robotic surgery provides the following preferred benefits:

3D-HD Vision

The ability to magnify a surgical site, lock camera angles, and offer an immersed view provides higher accuracy and precision when compared to conventional surgical methods. The surgeon also completely controls the camera during the operation instead of asking an assistant to change the camera angle, focus, or position.

Wristed Instrumentation

Range of motion and dexterity, beyond the scope of a human hand, allows the surgeon enhanced flexibility and control during a procedure. The surgical instrument can be rotated more than 360 degrees, which is impossible with only a human hand.

Complete Autonomy with Four Arms

Traditionally, surgeons have depended on an assistant to help either with instruments or a camera. This is no longer the case with an all-in-one robot. The Da Vinci Surgical System boasts three arms that can implement a variety of surgical tools and a fourth for its camera. The result creates freedom for the surgeon and an opportunity for a wide range of procedures.

Surgeon Comfort

Robotic surgeons have the luxury of being able to sit down during surgery. This eliminates strain of their neck, back and legs yielding less fatigue throughout their day and potentially adding years to their ability to practice medicine.

Savings

Robotic surgery can help hospitals and surgeons perform better surgery at an equal, if not lower, cost point than open surgery and even laparoscopy. This is one of the major reasons why robotic surgery is being widely adopted around the globe. Many hospital systems have proven that the overall benefits can actually save money when all factors such as decreased patient length of hospital stay, returns to the ER, and re-admissions are considered in the overall cost analysis.

Advantages of Robotic Surgery for Patients May Include:


  • Significant reduction in pain
  • Less blood loss
  • Lower human error
  • Fewer complications and risk of infection
  • Smaller surgical scars
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Faster recovery
  • Less narcotic use
  • Ability to return to daily life much sooner
  • Better overall patient satisfaction

Will a Robot Operate on the Patient?


Many patients think that a robot will perform the surgery independently. However, this is not true. A robotic surgical system is a system that is controlled by a trained surgeon to make delicate and meticulous movements during surgery. The robot is only a very advanced tool to assist in performing the surgery.

What Procedures Performed by Dr. Williams Are Ideal for Robotic Surgery?


What Are the Risks Involved in Robotic Surgery?


Risks associated with robotic surgery are no greater than they are in laparoscopy or open surgery. The difference is that the robot can allow surgeons to do a more precise dissection and thus disturb less healthy tissue and better align with Halsted's principle of, “Do no harm.”

How Common is Robotic Surgery?


The use of Robotic surgery has expanded exponentially since it was approved in 2000. Worldwide, more than 570,000 procedures were performed with the Da Vinci robotic surgical system in 2014. This figure is growing at rate of 10% each year. In Idaho, there are close to 4,000 robotic procedures performed every year. Dr Williams has experienced the same growth of robotic surgery in his cases. Local hospitals in the Treasure Valley have invested heavily into this new technology and the Boise hospitals now each have two da Vinci surgical robots as well as Orthopedic specialty surgical robots. At the time of this article, Meridian and West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell each also have one da Vinci surgical robot.

Why Choose Dr. Steven Williams for Robotic Surgery?


Dr. Steven Williams is a surgeon in Boise, Idaho who is well-trained and experienced with robotic surgery. He started assisting in robotic surgery in the year 2000 at the University of Texas Medical Branch when finishing residency. At this point, he has utilized all three of the Intuitive robotic models, including the standard Da Vinci, Da Vinci Si, and Da Vinci Xi. He has performed hundreds of successful robotic surgeries which are all electronically logged into the company’s database and tracked. He strongly believes in taking the time both to explain and perform his procedures. Dr. Steven Williams provides exceptional patient care from the beginning of the surgery until recovery, which continues to make him highly recommended by previous patients.

How Safe is Robotic Surgery?


There are over 15,000 peer reviewed medical journal studies validating the efficacy of robotic surgery. Dr. Steven Williams operates with robotic technology in Boise and Meridian, Idaho with safety and accuracy as the highest priorities. The team assisting him are also carefully chosen, well experienced and highly skilled. At both Saint Alphonsus and St Luke’s Treasure Valley Hospitals, the robotic surgery teams are among the best in the nation.

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