Robotic system advances minimally invasive surgery

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bailee A. Darbasie
  • Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs

The 99th Surgical Operations Squadron, or MSGS, performed their first robotic general surgery using the da Vinci Surgery System, April 3, at the Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center at Nellis Air Force Base.


The da Vinci is a robotic surgery system that enables surgeons to perform complex procedures with heightened precision and accuracy.


“The da Vinci has given us the next step in minimally invasive surgery,” said Maj. William Scott, 99th MSGS general surgeon. “These surgeries are done through several small incisions using cameras and significantly smaller surgical instruments."


The system is comprised of a tower and console, designed to expand the surgeon’s capabilities and promote efficiency. The surgeon sits at the console and uses controls to operate the robotic arms on the tower. The console provides the surgeon with a magnified, three-dimensional view of the surgical site as the tower sits over the patient and performs the operation.


By minimizing incisions, surgeons can reduce the amount of trauma to the body, leading to less pain, shorter recovery times and fewer complications for the patients, said Scott.


The training and overall knowledge gained through robotic surgeries will provide the hospital staff with the experience needed to become a more proficient force.
“Introducing new techniques allows us to have a vast scope of capabilities and confidence,” Scott said. “Our goal is to conduct three robotic surgeries per day. We’re currently focused on training our surgical teams so that we can integrate the system into other procedures outside of general surgery.”