Robotic-Assisted Surgery
As laparoscopic techniques were ground-breaking in the 1980s and 90s, the next iteration to build on that technology is the use of surgeon-controlled, robotic-assisted surgery. This modality is minimally invasive; provides a bright, high definition, magnified, 3-dimensional visualization; offers greatly enhanced dexterity of multi-angle, articulating robotic arms; introduces for the first time the ability for the surgeon to simultaneously control every instrument and camera within the patient's abdomen without a need to rely on a surgical technician or assistant for critical portions of procedures; can be paired with fluorescence to better identify delicate anatomic structures like the common bile duct and the small blood vessels that perfuse the instestines; and is therefore more likely to reduce risks, pain and hospital length of stay.
General Surgery
Typical general surgery services include procedures of the gallbladder, stomach and intestines, and hernias - which would primarily be performed robot-assisted in the hospital setting. Hemorrhoidectomy, larger soft tissue mass excision and vascular access port placement (e.g. for chemotherapy) may be performed in an affiliate hospital or surgery center setting.
Minor procedures
Minor procedures (like soft tissue resections and skin biopsies) can often be perfomed in the Malvern Avenue clinic under locally injected anesthetic. Pre/post-surgical and screening colonoscopies will be performed under deep sedation at either an affiliate hospital or surgery center.