White Plains Hospital began performing robotic surgery in Westchester in 2005 and since then has developed one of the most comprehensive and advanced robotics surgery programs in the region.
When it comes to surgery, it’s a simple fact that smaller incisions means less pain, less blood loss, less risk and often faster recoveries. Robotic surgery offers patients better outcomes and a faster return to normal activities thanks to greater precision, 3-D visualization and smaller incisions.
Our surgeons expertly perform minimally invasive robotic surgeries to treat cancerous as well as benign disorders of the kidneys, prostate, bladder, ureter, ovaries, uterus, endometrium, fallopian tubes, gall bladder, lungs, colon, rectum, stomach, and head and neck. Robotic-assisted surgery procedures are performed in state-of-the-art operating rooms using patient-centered technology, such as Single Site robotic surgery and advanced imaging.
In another first, we are the only hospital in Westchester to acquire two of the latest generation, cutting-edge da Vinci® Xi™ surgical systems that further enhance patient safety and surgical outcomes. The new system enables our surgeons to perform an increased spectrum of minimally invasive surgical procedures, providing patients greater access to uncompromising medical care close to home. These remarkable surgical robots are equipped with new features and technologies including, Integrated Table Motion, the seamless coordination of the da Vinci Xi robot with Trumpf Medical’s TruSystem® 7000dV advanced operating table, which permits surgeons and anesthesiologists to make a comprehensive range of table adjustments easily and efficiently during surgery; the da Vinci EndoWrist Stapler 45, Stapler 30 and Vessel Sealer; and the da Vinci Single-Site® Instrumentation, which enables surgeons to perform surgery through a single incision.
With our surgeons supported by a team of specialized nurses, physician assistants, surgical technologists and anesthesiologists, we are community leaders in robotic surgery performing nearly 500 robotic procedures per year.
Robotics surgery FAQs
It’s a simple fact: smaller incisions lead to more positive outcomes:
- Less pain – Robotic Surgery is a minimally invasive procedure using precise and versatile instruments allowing for less bleeding and less pain.
- Less risk - The technology in Robotic Surgery goes beyond the limits of any human hand which allows for a greater degree of precision and accuracy. Being able to work on hard to reach areas provide fewer risks compared to traditional surgery.
- Faster recoveries – Smaller incisions tend to have minimal scarring, reduce the risk of infection and lead to faster recoveries.
The Food and Drug Administration approved robotic surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System in 2000. Since then, its use has significantly increased, and many hospitals are adopting this method as an alternative option to traditional open surgery.
The da Vinci XI Surgical System is the world’s most advanced technology used for robotic surgery. It includes miniaturized instruments, which are mounted on three different robotic arms. By controlling these three arms, the surgeon is allowed maximum range of motion and precision. In addition, a fourth arm on the da Vinci holds a magnified HD 3-D camera, guiding the surgeon throughout the procedure with a 360-degree view of the surgical area.
Mako is a robotic surgical technology system that assists orthopedic surgeons in performing partial or total knee replacements and total hip replacements.
The system utilizes 3-D images of the patient’s joint to help doctors prepare for surgery. Then surgeons use the Mako robotic arm during the procedure to prepare the bone, introduce the implant, and ensure that it is perfectly fitted.
Robotic surgery does not mean that there is no surgeon involved in the surgery. On the contrary, robotic surgery involves a skilled surgeon working from a special console, while a very small 3D camera and surgical instruments are placed inside the patient through incisions as small as 8mm. The surgeon then controls the robotic arms attached to the surgical instruments. In addition, a second surgeon is present in order to confirm the correct placement of all surgical instruments. The robotic arms can be scaled such that the movements are more precise than a human’s could ever be on their own.
Robotic surgery shares the same risks as laparoscopic surgery and other minimally invasive surgeries, however it offers some advantages such as an increase the surgeon’s precision.
Yes, robotic surgery is minimally invasive, meaning that rather than operating on patients through large incisions, our team uses miniaturized surgical instruments that can fit through a series of tiny incisions, as small as 8mm.
As with any surgery or procedure, coverage and cost is dependent on your insurance. If you have questions about your insurance coverage during your stay, contact our Financial Counselors at 914.681.1004.
Hospitals are rapidly adopting robotic surgery to treat a wide range of conditions. At White Plains Hospital, some of the areas well-suited for robotic surgery include:
- Urology (prostate, bladder and kidney cancer),
- Gynecology (benign and cancerous hysterectomy; myomectomy),
- General surgery (colorectal; ventral and inguinal hernia repair),
- Thoracic surgery (lobectomy; mediastinal mass)
- Orthopedic surgery (partial and total knee replacement; total hip replacement)
White Plains Hospital started performing robotic-assisted surgery in 2005, acting as one of the leaders in Westchester for this -procedure. Since adopting this technique, the hospital has developed one of the most comprehensive and advanced robotics programs in the region. Our surgeons who perform robotic surgery can now treat many complex conditions using the latest robotic surgery systems in state-of-the art-operating rooms resulting in exceptional outcomes for our patients.