MINIMALLY INVASIVE WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
Robotic weight loss operations are the latest technique in laparoscopic surgery. Many refer to laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures as “minimally invasive” surgeries because they are performed through very small incisions in the abdomen, which differentiates them from traditional open abdominal surgeries performed through an upper abdominal incision. Benefits of minimally invasive laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery include less chance of infection and hernias, less discomfort and faster recovery, enabling patients to leave the facility within a day and return to work faster.
ROBOTIC BARIATRIC SURGERY AT THE CENTER FOR WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
Dr. Srikanth has performed more than 3,500 laparoscopic and robot-assisted weight loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach allows the surgeon to perform surgery through a few small, half-inch incisions. Small tubes called trocars are used to guide long chopstick-like instruments into the abdomen. Visibility is provided through a magnified image generated on a monitor by a long telescope.
BENEFITS OF ROBOTIC WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
Because robotic surgery doesn’t require a large incision, it’s a much gentler way to move toward weight loss. More than that, it offers a variety of benefits to patients. In contrast to traditional open surgery, for example, a minimally invasive weight loss procedure can give you:
- Smaller, incisions
- Faster healing time
- Less overall trauma to the body
- A quicker return to activities and routine
- Decreased infection rates
- A shorter hospital stay
- Less discomfort
- Lower risk of complications
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR ROBOTIC WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY?
Robot-assisted bariatric surgery is a revolutionary treatment option today.
Generally speaking, the candidates for these operations are those who would be considered severely obese (i.e., have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 0); people with a BMI over 35 who have major medical issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, sleep apnea etc. Some patients with a BMI over 30 with weight related problems would qualify as well.
ROBOT-ASSISTED LAPAROSCOPIC WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
The robot-assisted approach is the latest technique in laparoscopic surgery. The “robot” is a four-armed “surgical machine” that is incapable of independent function, meaning that it is under the complete control of the surgeon at all times.
Robotic instruments have a miniature wrist that works much like the human hand — except that they can rotate 570 degrees and they work tirelessly. This allows for remarkable dexterity, precision and the ability to see around corners.
The surgeon works through a console with the help of a specially trained surgical assistant and crew. Surgery is performed using small incisions and metallic trocars that provide precisely controlled three-dimensional movement. A camera with dual optic channels and zoom capabilities provides a highly magnified, true 3D-HD vision within the abdomen.
The “robot” combines the benefits of laparoscopic surgery (small incisions, less post-op discomfort and faster recovery) with the advantages of traditional open surgery (freedom of movement and improved dexterity for the operator), resulting in an overall outstanding surgical experience for our patients.
Dr. Srikanth is one of the few surgeons in the Pacific Northwest who perform the robot-assisted duodenal switch. This surgery has well-documented success rates (greater than 90 percent) for excellent long-term weight loss and diabetes control.
