Prior to the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery, all surgeries were performed "open," where an incision was made in the body large enough for the surgeon to plainly see-- and insert his or her hands into-- the surgical field. The large incisions that open surgery required inevitably created significant patient trauma. This caused substantial pain, increased risk of infection, extended recovery time, and, subsequently, incurred significant costs.

Approximately 20 years ago however, surgeons began practicing a new way to perform surgery - minimally invasive surgery (MIS), which refers to surgery performed in ways other than through large "open" incisions in the body.

Surgeons by Specialty For more information, call 904.202.CARE (2273). GYN Oncology Stephen Buckley, MD Pediatric - General Danielle Walsh, MD Pediatric - Urology Michael Erhard, MD Urology Charles Cobb, MD Douglas Swartz, MD Apoora Vashi, MD

One minimally invasive techniques uses the da Vinci S-Robot. The System makes it possible to convert complex procedures in a broad range of surgical specialties from open surgeries to those using minimally invasive techniques. The da Vinci S-Robot allows a surgeon greater visualization, enhanced dexterity, precision and control and superior ergonomics. Multiple clinical studies have shown that the da Vinci S-Robot offers patients a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less risk of infection, less blood loss and transfusions, less scarring and faster recovery. The da Vinci system enhances one's ability to perform more complex procedures using minimally invasive techniques. The increased dexterity enables the surgeon to work more effectively, especially in the tighter spaces -- particularly in a child's body. If you are interested in learning more about the da Vinci S-Robot at Baptist Medical Center, call 904.202.CARE (2273). About the da Vinci S-Robot The da Vinci® S-Robot is powered by state-of-the-art robotic technology. The system allows a surgeon's hand movements to be scaled, filtered and translated into precise movements of micro-instruments within the operative site. The magnified, three-dimensional view the surgeon experiences enables him/her to perform precise surgery in complex procedures through small surgical incisions.