Thoracic Robotic Surgery

In some cases, the da Vinci Surgical System can be utilized for thoracic surgery, including a lobectomy, a procedure in which part of the lung is removed. This procedure is typically used for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.


What is robotic surgery and how can it help me?

Robotic surgery, utilizing the da Vinci Surgical System, is a less invasive technique than what is referred to as “open” surgery. With robotic surgery, the incisions made in your body by your surgeon are much smaller than the cut made during open surgery. Benefits of robotic surgery compared to open surgery include:

  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Less blood loss
  • Fewer complications
  • Less need for narcotic pain medicine
  • A faster recovery
  • Smaller incisions associated with minimal scarring
  • For lobectomies, it can also reduce the duration of a chest tube

Meet the surgeons who perform thoracic robotic surgeries at Northeast Georgia Medical Center:

Advanced Surgical Technology

Learn about the da Vinci Surgical System

The da Vinci Surgical System is a tool that utilizes advanced, robotic, computer and optical technologies to assist your surgeon with your operation. It does not act on its own and its movements are controlled by your surgeon.

The da Vinci Surgical System has a 3D high definition (3D-HD) vision system, special instruments and computer software that allow your surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control. The 3D-HD image is highly magnified, so your surgeon has a close-up view of the area he or she is operating on.

The da Vinci instruments have mechanical wrists that bend and rotate to mimic the movements of the human wrist – allowing your surgeon to make small, precise movements inside your body.

And, da Vinci software can minimize the effects of a surgeon’s hand tremors on instrument movements.