Da Vinci® Surgical System

Our Pioneer Valley Urology offices in Springfield and Palmer in south central Massachusetts, and our Enfield, Connecticut office can schedule surgical procedures best served a relatively new approach to minimally invasive surgery (MIS) -- the da Vinci® Surgical System -- robotic technology applied to various types of surgery. Although laparoscopic surgery is also minimally invasive, it limits the surgeon to rigid and fairly restricted movements. The da Vinci Surgical System offers flexibility and control, and permits precise, effective results in a wide range of surgical procedures, including those used in treating cardiac, colorectal, gynecologic, head and neck, thoracic, and urological problems.

Patients in the communities of Agawam, Westfield, Chicopee, Longmeadow, Holyoke, Wilbraham, Brookfield, Hampden, Palmer, Monson, Belchertown, Ware, Warren, Sturbridge, Granby, and northern Connecticut in Ellington, East Granby, Suffield, and Windsor should schedule an appointment to determine if the da Vinci Surgical System can be used for their surgical procedure.

Benefits of the da Vinci Surgical System

According to its manufacturer, Intuitive Surgical, the da Vinci surgical system, in addition to the benefits discussed below, offers patients a shorter hospital stay and reduces their need for narcotic pain medication.

Less Invasive

The da Vinci system uses several tiny incisions rather than one large one, which means less scarring, less pain, less bleeding, a more rapid recovery, and a smaller incidence of postoperative infection.

Greater Surgical Control

Although the robotic arms of the system's console carry surgical instruments and a camera to the targeted area, the procedure is under the complete control of the surgeon. Using EndoWrist technology, the robotic arms precisely mimic the movements of the surgeon's wrists and hands, providing superb dexterity and extreme control.

More Accurate Imaging

The surgeon is able to view the targeted area through the an imaging system that provides a magnified, three-dimensional view of the entire operative field. This provides a clearer and more detailed view than that from traditional open surgery.

Variety of Surgical Uses

The da Vinci system can be used in many types of surgical procedures, including cardiothoracic, abdominal and prostate surgeries. In these and other procedures, the control and accuracy the system provides may result in better outcomes than those from conventional surgeries.

Risks of the da Vinci Surgical System

According to Intuitive Surgical, the possible risks of MIS in general include the following:

  • Long operation time
  • Need to switch to a different surgical technique
  • Incision-site hernia
  • Temporary pneumoperitoneum (air or gas in abdomen)

If a surgeon needs to switch from MIS to another type of surgery during the procedure itself, the time a patient spends on the operating table and under anesthesia may increase, and additional complications may result.

Although the da Vinci surgical system offers significant advantages over traditional surgery, it is not the appropriate choice in every case. Pregnant women, and those who bleed easily, have issues with blood clotting, or are morbidly obese, are usually not suitable candidates for any type of MIS.

Additional Resources

Our Urologists

Kevin Asher, MD

Kevin Asher, M.D. graduated from Towson University and Columbia University Medical School. He completed his residency in Urology at Boston University and has completed a fellowship in Urologic Oncology at the Nati

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Aaron Berkenwald, M.D.

Dr. Berkenwald received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and he completed his surgical and urological residency at Lahey Medical Center. He graduated summa cum laude from Nor

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Stephen Gallo, MD

Dr. Gallo received his BA Degree from Johns Hopkins University and his medical degree from New York Medical College. He completed his training in urology at New York Medical College. Dr. Gallo is the Chief of Urol

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Andrew Kim, MD

Dr. Kim received his medical degree from University of Maryland School of Medicine, and he completed his surgical and urological residency at University of Maryland Medical Center. He earned his BS degree in Mecha

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Joshua Pagar, MD

Dr. Pagar received his medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine, and completed his surgical and urological residency at University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics, Columbia, MO. He earned his M

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Joseph Sarcona, MD

Dr. Sarcona received his medical degree from New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, and he completed his surgical and urological residency at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY. He earned his BS degree in Neurosci

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Jonathan Starkman, MD

Dr. Starkman received his bachelor of science degree in molecular biology, from the University of Michigan and his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI. He completed his train

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William Swanson, MD, MBA

Dr. Swanson received his bachelor of arts degree, with honors and in biology, from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts. He received his medical degree from Albany Medical College in 1995, where

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Michael Zavaski, MD

Dr. Zavaski received his medical degree from University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and he completed his surgical and urological residency at Harvard Program in Urology- Brigham and Women's Hospital in Bost

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