Robotic Surgery

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston and Katy

Robotic surgery- ingenuity with technology.

Robotic Surgery Houston Texas

We benefit from advancements in technology and this is no less exemplified by the use of robotic assisted surgery. This is a relatively new technology initially adopted by urologists and now disseminated across most surgical specialties. Dr. Bonnor is a leader in adopting  new technologies and techniques in the field of bariatric surgery. He embraces ingenuity while always prioritizing patient safety and satisfaction. Robotic surgery in selected procedures provides precision and efficiency. Texas Endosurgery Associates, in Houston, has been helping clients battle obesity using the latest techniques in weight loss surgery. We are dedicated to helping patients live a happier and healthier life. If you’ve been thinking about weight loss surgery solutions, it’s time to learn more. Schedule a consultation with our courteous and professional staff. Call us at (281) 579-5638, or, if you prefer, you can arrange for a Virtual Consultation and meet with us remotely! 

What Is Robotic Surgery?

To be more precise in the terminology, it should be named robotic assisted surgery. Dr. Bonnor sits at a console next to the operating table and performs the necessary actions to perform your surgery. The robot simply mimics those actions, translating them to a scaled-down motion for precision, flexibility, and control. 

Robotic surgery is similar to laparoscopic surgery in the respect that they both use small incisions, a camera, and surgical instruments. However, instead of holding and manipulating the surgical instruments himself, during robotic surgery, Dr. Bonnor uses sophisticated controls to manipulate the robot which in turn “assist” in carrying out precise surgical movements. 

The console provides Dr. Bonnor with high-definition images, which allow for increased accuracy and vision inside your body. Compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery provides your surgeon with a greater range of motion and precision, which may lead to less bleeding and less postoperative pain.

Benefits of Robotic Assisted Surgery

Compared with other minimally invasive surgery approaches, robot assisted surgery gives the surgeon better control over the surgical instruments and a better view of the surgical site. In addition, surgeons no longer have to stand throughout the surgery and do not get tired as quickly. Naturally occurring hand tremors are filtered out by the robot’s computer software. Laparoscopic camera positioning is also significantly improved with less inadvertent movements under robotic controls than compared to human assistance [1]. 

Think of a robotic system like a video game. During a robotic-assisted procedure, your surgeon uses master controls to manipulate the instruments, and the instruments translate your surgeon’s movements into precise movements inside your body. Your surgeon is in control the whole time; the surgical system responds to the direction he provides.

Eligible Candidates

If you struggle with weight loss due to an overactive appetite, robotic surgery may be the optimal approach. Our suite of bariatric procedures include such popular options as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. In addition, if you had a previous weight loss  procedure in the past, revision surgery can help you with weight regain or even medical conditions such as acid reflux. To determine your eligibility for robotic surgery in Houston, contact Dr. Bonnor.

Your Private Consultation at Texas Endosurgery

Dr. Bonnor, FACS, FASMBS, is proud to offer the most advanced and effective treatments in bariatric surgery. At Texas Endosurgery Associates, in Houston, we want to help you realize your goals. Read all of our positive reviews to witness our past patients’ success stories.Take control and improve your health. Schedule a consultation with our courteous and professional staff. Call us at (281) 579-5638. We are now offering Virtual Consultations so that you can take your first steps toward a powerful transformation.

Preparation

During your comprehensive consultation, you will be given  instructions to prepare you for robotic-assisted surgery. The specific nature of how to ready your body for surgery depends on which type of procedure you are receiving. Your Texas Endosurgery team will advise you to follow a specific diet in the weeks leading up to your procedure. You may also be advised to quit smoking and stop taking certain blood-thinning medications. 

The Robotic-Assisted Surgery Procedure

During a robotic-assisted surgery, your surgeon “directs” the surgery from nearby, but does not stand over you like during a traditional surgery. While each surgery is different, here are the general steps to a robotic-assisted surgery:

  1. Your surgeon makes small incisions in your body.
  2. Your doctor inserts a robotic instrument and a high definition  camera into your body.
  3. Your surgeon then sits at a nearby console (a large computer) to direct the procedure. At the console, the area of operation can be seen highly magnified, with excellent resolution.
  4. Sitting at the console, your surgeon manipulates the controls.
  5. The instruments respond to these movements, and translate them into precise, real-time movements inside your body.
  6. The robotic devices, which have greater dexterity and range of motion than a human, allow your surgeon to successfully perform delicate surgeries in hard-to-reach places.

Rapid Recovery

Robotic technology elevates the art and science of bariatric surgery.  Our practice has seen decreased pain after adopting the use of robotic assisted technology. By providing a more stable platform compared to laparoscopic surgery, patients enjoy less caring and faster recuperation times.[2,3] In addition this effect translated even more profoundly on higher BMI patients.If you ever have questions about your recovery from bariatric surgery, contact our Houston office.

Remarkable Results

The safety and effectiveness of robotic-assisted surgery has been well proven in various extensive surveys among medical professionals.[4] Outcomes and safety are our top priority. To get a glimpse of how our innovative approach to bariatric surgery has benefitted clients, please visit our reviews page. 

Dr. Bonnor is committed to providing 5-star service to the greater Houston community. From Galveston to Katy and beyond, Texas Endosurgery embraces robotic technology with a human touch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery is a method based on minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery. This advanced method seeks to advance the limitations of traditional laparoscopy by improving technical execution and in certain cases outcomes. For certain procedures, robotic surgery improves precision, control and dexterity.

What are the types of robotic surgery?

Robotic-assisted surgery has been integrated into many facets of health care. Procedures such as prostate resection to cardiac surgery have experienced great advancements thanks to the inclusion of robotic science. To learn how robotics-assisted surgery has revolutionized weight loss, please call (281) 579-5638.

What is the name of the equipment used in robotic surgery?
Dr Bonnor uses the Da Vinci Surgical System for robotic assisted surgery. This robotic system is made by Intuitive Surgical.

What are the benefits for surgeons who perform robotic assisted surgery?

Some of the major benefits reported by surgeons using robotic surgery over traditional laparoscopic surgery include greater surgical precision, increased range of motion with increased dexterity, enhanced visualization with greater precision in compact areas. It should also be mentioned that robotic surgery is superior to traditional laparoscopic surgery when addressing bariatric surgery in the super obese (BMI greater than 50). The surgeon does not strain against the torque of the abdominal wall which can otherwise compromise accuracy and also lead to surgeon fatigue.

Is a robot operating on me?

The robotic system cannot “think” on its own. A surgeon sits at a console located in the operation room and sees a ten times magnified three dimensional image of the operating field. The surgeon manipulates master controls located naturally positioned below the surgeon’s eyes. The surgeon’s commands are carried out by a patient’s side cart, where four robotic arms and instruments translate the surgeon’s hand and finger movements into real time movements. It only responds to your surgeon’s precise hand and finger movements. Your surgeon is in the operating room, directing the procedure the entire time. To learn more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bonnor, FACS, FASMBS at Texas Endosurgery Associates.

What types of general surgery specific procedures are performed using the robotic system? 

The use of robotic assisted surgery is especially helpful for revisional bariatric surgery, large BMI patients desiring primary bariatric procedures, simple and complex hiatal hernia repairs and fundoplications. The robotic system tends to outperform traditional laparoscopic surgery in confined spaces such as the hiatus where steady camera control is paramount. In addition, for revisional bariatric operations the robot has superiority compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery due to better visualisation, precision and greater dexterity for sewing in confined spaces. 

Does insurance cover robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery is really robotic assisted minimally invasive surgery. Any insurance carrier that covers minimally invasive surgery generally covers robotic surgery.

References

  1. Katie S Novitski, R Flores, A M DeWitt.Comparison of Laparoscopic to Robotic Surgery in Community Hospital Program. Surgery for Obesity and Related Disorders. Vol 14, Issue 11, S177-178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2018.09.404  
  2. Talamini, M., Chapman, S., Horgan, S. et al. (2003). A prospective analysis of 211 robotic-assisted surgical procedures. Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques. 17, 1521–1524. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-002-8853-3 
  3. Moser, F., & Horgan, S. (2004). Robotically assisted bariatric surgery. The American Journal of Surgery. 188(4), 38-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2004.08.027 
  4. M Pastrana, J Stolzfus, A Almadini, M El Chaar. Outcomes of Robotic Surgery in Super-Obese Patients: First Report Based in MBSAQIP database. Surgery for Obesity and Related Disorders. Vol 16, Issue 1, P71-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2019.10.009