da Vinci Robot System Performs First Single-Incision Robotic Colectomy in US

da Vinci Robot System was used to perform the country’s first robotic laproscopic surgery through a single cut in the left colon. This surgery was done by Vincent Obias who is the MD, Director of Colon and Rectal Surgery at the George Washington University hospital on August 22, 2011.

Traditionally, a surgery in the left colon is done by four incisions and the patient is required to stay in the hospital for four days. Single-incision surgery poses greater risks as all the important structures and blood vessels located very close to the colon. However, the robotic laproscopic surgery is more stable and offers greater triangulation and dexterity. It also causes less pain and infection and provides faster recovery. The robot uses three-dimensional viewing which is normally used in regular laproscopic surgeries.

Dr. Obias removed the left colon measuring a foot through the navel through a single cut. The patient was cleared for discharge 36 hours after the surgery. George Washington hospital was the first hospital to acquire the da Vinci Robot system and the first hospital to perform the robotic colon and rectal surgery through the system in 2009. Dr. Obias is one of the very few doctors in the US who have performed the single-incision robotic colon surgery.