Robotic surgery

Robotic technology is an extension of your surgeon, who is in full control of everything that happens during the surgery. The robotic technology moves like the human wrist and allows for surgeons to perform the surgery using smaller instruments in a more precise and steady movement. With zooming capabilities, the incision is 1 to 2 centimeters, compared to traditional open surgery where the surgeon must make an incision large enough to fit the surgical instruments and view the area.

A camera inside your body will send real-time images to your surgeon, who guides the robot from a console in the operating room. These images are highly magnified with a sharper resolution, giving your surgeon a better view than what they would see standing over you.

Your surgery will result in smaller incisions, which will allow for:

• A shorter hospital stay

• Less risk of infection

• Less blood loss and fewer blood transfusions

• Less pain

• Minimal to no prescription pain medication

• Less scarring

• Faster recovery

• A quicker return to daily routine

Our skilled surgeons have access to the latest technology, including the da Vinci® 5, Xi and X robotic systems. Each is optimized for certain types of general surgery procedures, including colon, gallbladder, gynecologic, abdominal and hernia repair.

Our surgical teams use robotic-assisted technology for:

• Abdominal surgery

• Head and neck surgery

• Gallbladder surgery

• Gynecologic surgery

• Heart surgery

• Hernia repair

• Oncology surgery

• Partial and total knee replacement

• Thoracic surgery

• Total hip replacement

• Urologic surgery

• Weight loss surgery

Sharp Coronado Hospital and Sharp Grossmont Hospital offer Mako® robotic-arm assisted technology. Available for partial and total knee and hip replacement surgeries, this technology uses 3D modeling to help your doctor create a personalized surgical plan and allows for precise placement of the implant while preserving healthy bone, tissue and ligaments.

Robotic-assisted and laparoscopic are both types of minimally invasive surgery.

In a laparoscopic procedure, your surgeon stands directly over you, manually controlling the surgical instruments and utilizing a laparoscope — a long narrow tool that has a camera and a light — to see inside your body.

In robotic-assisted surgery, your doctor will be seated at a console, controlling the surgical instruments directly with the robotic arms. The robotic system gives your surgeon greater control and a 360-degree range of motion, as well as providing a high-definition, 3D camera to see inside your body.

Unlike robots you may see in the movies, the robotic system does not have a mind of its own. Your surgeon will be in complete control of every movement in real time — nothing is automatic. In addition, every member of your Sharp care team has received specialized training in operating the robotic surgery system.

But as with any medical procedure, talk to your doctor about any potential risks.

There are two simple ways to find the right doctor for you:  

• Search online with our quick, easy-to-use Find a Doctor tool. 

• Call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, to speak with one of our physician-referral specialists. They know our doctors and can help you find the perfect fit. 

In some cases, you will need a referral from your primary care doctor. 

Some medical groups offer direct access to certain types of specialists. And some health plans, such as PPOs, offer direct access to all specialists. Contact your health plan's member services department to confirm your coverage. 

Sharp accepts almost all health insurance plans, including Medicare, Medi-Cal and most managed care and private insurance plans.

Be sure to check with your insurance company to verify specific coverage. Insurance companies frequently add new plans, and update provider networks and covered services under existing plans.