Jose Parodi, MD, PPG – General Surgery, Parkview Bryan Hospital, shares how robotic technology is bringing high-quality surgical options closer to home for Bryan patients.
For those living in rural communities, traveling long distances for specialized care isn't always possible, particularly for patients managing complex health needs. That's why offering a broad range of surgical specialties at Parkview Bryan Hospital is so important. With the addition of state-of-the-art robotic technology, patients now have greater access to advanced surgical care.
What role does the robotic system play during surgery, and how does it assist you?
The robotic system in surgery is essentially an advanced surgical tool used to perform minimally invasive procedures. While the human hand has about 3° of freedom, the robotic system has about 7° of freedom and is capable of rotating 360°.
I can also change the light source from a conventional light to a UV-type light. This allows me to see tissues that otherwise wouldn't show perfusion (blood flow). The system gives me a three-dimensional view compared to the standard laparoscopic approach, which offers only a two-dimensional view.
What types of general surgery procedures do you perform with robotic assistance?
There are several procedures that we do that are suited for robotic surgery, including:
-
Hernia surgery
-
Cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery)
-
Pancreatectomy
-
Splenectomy
-
Gynecological surgery
-
Neurological surgery
There are other applications, but those are the most well-known procedures we perform today. We still offer alternatives to robotics here, such as laparoscopic or open surgeries. If you are seeking a prompt recovery after your surgery, cosmetically appealing incisions with minimal scars, minimal blood loss and almost no pain, this surgery may be for you.
What can patients expect after their procedure?
After their surgery, patients are usually discharged on an outpatient basis and go home with general care instructions. I always remind patients that although this is minimally invasive surgery, it still requires healing time. Following post-operative guidelines are essential to ensure proper recovery.
Final thoughts
We believe we can help patients achieve excellent surgical outcomes. It is important that we offer robotic surgery here because it is convenient for Bryan's patients. Beyond that immediate benefit, having this technology allows the hospital to attract more specialty providers to the area, which means our patients will have access to more types of care.
The arrival of robotics has elicited a lot of excitement in the community, so I am personally very grateful to Parkview Health for bringing it here, and I plan to use it a lot.
