Robotic Surgery at VHC Health: What You Should Know
Charlotte G. Houston, MD, is a urologist with VHC Health. She specializes in minimally invasive treatments and robotic surgery, focusing on optimizing functional outcomes and minimizing patient discomfort. She treats a wide range of urologic conditions at the VHC Health Urology - West Alexandria location.
At VHC Health, we use the surgical robot for a variety of procedures. It's important to note that the surgery is performed entirely by your surgeon, as the robot does not operate on its own. Your surgeon controls the arms of the robot from a console, using it as a precise tool similar to traditional instruments like scalpels or a laparoscope.
Why Might Your Doctor Recommend Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery may be recommended for procedures such as hernia repair, prolapse surgery, colorectal surgery, prostate or kidney surgery. The surgical robot has several advantages and may be suggested for the following reasons:
- Less Pain: Robotic surgery is a form of laparoscopic surgery. Rather than a large open incision, the surgery is performed through ports placed in small incisions. Often, this means a faster recovery and less time in the hospital.
- Less blood loss: Pneunoperitoneum (pressure from inflated gas) is used to visualize the surgical field in robotic surgery. This also allows for less blood loss during surgery and improved control of bleeding.
- Improved access in challenging places: Certain anatomy can limit a surgeon's range of motion and visualization in areas such as the pelvis. The angle of the robotic camera and flexible robotic arms allows surgeons excellent control in tight, hard-to-reach areas of the body.
- Improved precision: The robot has a magnified camera and working arms with a greater range of motion than human hands. This allows for increased precision and highly precise movements, which can be especially beneficial in complex or delicate surgeries.
If your surgeon thinks a robotic procedure is preferable to an open or laparoscopic surgery, they will discuss the risks and benefits with you to help you make an informed decision.
Nationally Accredited
Accredited Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence
VHC Health is proud to be designated as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). In addition, several of our surgeons have been recognized as Surgeons of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by SRC for upholding the highest patient safety and quality standards. SRC-accredited surgeons and facilities experience better outcomes in robotic surgery— in terms of quality, safety, efficiency and patient experience.
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