At Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), robotics is more than a buzzword – it’s better medicine. Our dedicated robotics care teams use sophisticated computer-enhanced technology to treat a wide range of conditions, from complex cancers to routine hernias to knee replacement. Choosing the largest program in the region – including the region’s only single port robotic surgery system – means you have access to robotics’ many care benefits at multiple locations across our network.
How you benefit from robotics surgery
Robotics technology offers many benefits, including:
Increased surgical precision
Our 250-plus surgeons across more than a dozen specialties are experts in their fields. Robotics technology amplifies their skill, leading to even better results.
Reduced risks
People undergoing robotic surgery experience a lower risk for infection and other complications.
Less downtime
Robotics technology allows doctors to use super-tiny incisions. This less-invasive approach often means you have a shorter hospital stay and can get back to your normal way of life sooner after surgery. In July 2017, LVHN became the first in the region to use the Intuitive Surgical Inc., da Vinci Xi® Surgical System, a technological leap forward in replacing large-incision abdominal surgeries (open surgery) with a minimally invasive approach. And now, with the region’s only single port robotic surgery system, you can emerge from surgery with one single incision.
Patient satisfaction
Smaller incisions during surgery lead to less noticeable scars. Our doctors can sometimes use robotics technology to effectively treat certain gynecologic conditions while also preserving fertility.
Access to leading-edge technology
Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is one of the first sites in the world to acquire the da Vinci SP® (single port) robotic surgery system. LVHN is one of three institutions in the world to offer IRIS, a medical imaging technology that produces 3D imaging of patients’ anatomy. Surgeons have the ability to reference the vivid 3D images before and during surgery, providing increased surgical precision.
LVHN is first in the region to offer the Ion bronchoscopy system. Ion has a thin, maneuverable catheter and shape-sensing technology that allows our surgeons to navigate tiny bends and curves of the lung airways and minimize complication rates.
In addition, we’re the first health network in the region to obtain the Mazor X Stealth™ Edition Robotic Guidance Platform that delivers improved accuracy and precision in back surgeries. This allows surgeons enhanced 3D pre-surgery planning, greater precision, increased visibility during surgery and reduced surgery time. It also results in less X-ray exposure for the patient.
Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute has robotic systems to assist in knee replacement surgery – VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution from DePuy Synthes, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, Stryker’s Mako SmartRobotics™ System and ROSA® Knee System – at select hospitals across Lehigh Valley Health Network. The new robots give patients the most options in the region to receive minimally invasive robotic knee surgery, which results in less pain, less need for inpatient physical therapy, reduction in length of hospital stay, and improved knee flexion and tissue protection, resulting in better outcomes and faster return to normal activity.
Our robotics surgery services
Your doctor will recommend a treatment approach that’s best for your circumstances. Our surgeons use advanced robotic technology to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Gynecologic conditions, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids and infertility
- Cancer, such as colorectal cancer, fertility-sparing procedures, gynecologic cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer
- Urogynecology conditions, such as prolapse and incontinence
- Obesity
- Hernias
- Urology
- Thoracic surgery
- ENT
- Spine conditions
Why robotic surgery?
Robots give our surgeons the ability to perform complex and delicate surgery. The scarring can be minimal, and many patients have less pain after surgery and return to work within weeks. All of these benefits may lead to a faster recovery with an improved overall patient experience. Robotic surgery usually involves three to five small incisions, while our single port robotic surgery system involves just one.
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