Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Introduces “Scarless” Robotic Surgery

Chula Vista, Calif. — Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center is the first in the South Bay to offer Single-Site™ "scarless" robotic surgery for cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal. More than one million people in the U.S. have their gallbladder removed each year.

"Gallbladder surgery is one of the most common procedures performed," said Dr. Hugo Barrera, a general surgeon affiliated with Sharp Chula Vista. "Gallbladder disease is very common in the U.S., with a significant number of cases occurring among women and more, Hispanic women."

During the procedure, the surgeon sits at the da Vinci® Robotic Surgery System console, viewing a 3-D, high-definition image of the patient's anatomy. Using controls to move the instrument "arms" and camera, the surgeon removes the patient's gallbladder through one tiny incision in the belly button, making the procedure virtually scarless. Unlike other types of gallbladder surgery requiring multiple large incisions, this technology allows for a single incision where instruments are placed and the diseased gallbladder is removed.

"Combining robotic surgery and single-incision surgery to remove the gallbladder requires highly specialized training and equipment," said Dr. Barrera. "To be one of the first hospitals to offer this advanced surgery demonstrates Sharp Chula Vista's leadership in offering cutting-edge surgical options."

Potential benefits of Single-Site surgery may include virtually scarless results, minimal pain, low blood loss, fast recovery and a short hospital stay. The surgery can be performed in about one hour with a typical hospital stay of less than 24 hours.

Sharp Chula Vista began offering robotic surgery in March 2010. Since then, Sharp Chula Vista-affiliated surgeons have performed more than 500 robotic-assisted urology, gynecology, general, cholecystectomy, and ear, nose and throat procedures. The Food and Drug Administration approved Single-Site surgery in December 2011.

For More Information
For help finding a Sharp Chula Vista-affiliated physician, search for a San Diego doctor  or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.