HONOLULU (KHON2) — The introduction of robotic surgery in the medical field has been a game changer for doctors. With the recent advancement in technology, robotic surgery is becoming more and more popular.
KHON2’s Jodi Leong spoke with Dr. Joseph Anthony Rodriguez, general surgeon from The Queen’s Medical Center-West Oahu.
Rodriguez said the dominant robotic surgery platform in the United States right now is the da Vinci robot.
“It’s a long, rectangular pillar that you can actually move around the operating room. It has four arms. It’s like the arms of a car manufacturing company, but it’s a miniaturized version attached to this long pillar,” he added. “I make small incisions or pukas in your abdomen, and then I put a very thin instrument inside your abdomen.”
He performs the surgery from a console a few feet away from the patient.
“Where I actually sit down and put my eyes in the visor, and I can see a three-dimensional view of their inside. And then I have finger controls where I control everything. So, the robot is dependent on me to move it and take care of the problem,” said Rodriguez.
The advantages of robotic surgery include small incisions, less pain, shorter hospital stays and less blood loss.
“What I found out is with very complex procedures like colorectal cancers, big hernias, I’m able to do it, and continue using small incisions,” he said.
There are 11 da Vinci robots in Hawaii. One in Hilo and the rest on Oahu.
“At Queens, we have four robots. Queens is at the forefront of this advanced technology. All you have to do is visit us. If you qualify, insurance pays for it. We’re able to offer this advanced procedure with safety and effectiveness,” Rodriguez said.
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To learn more about the services provided by The Queen’s Health Systems, visit their website.