Da Vinci Robotics vs. Traditional Surgery: What's the Difference? Choosing the Best Path to Healing with Confidence

What Is Traditional Surgery?

In traditional (also called “open”) surgery, the surgeon makes a larger incision to directly view and access the area being treated. This method is time-tested and highly effective, particularly in emergencies or when a wide field of view is needed.

Benefits of traditional surgery:

• Widely available and well-established
• Preferred for certain complex or emergency procedures
• Surgeons have direct, hands-on access to the area

Challenges of traditional surgery:

• Larger incisions
• Longer recovery time
• Greater risk of infection or blood loss
• More postoperative pain and scarring

What Is da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Surgery?

The da Vinci Surgical System is a minimally invasive, robotic-assisted technology that allows surgeons to perform precise procedures through tiny incisions using advanced instruments and a 3D high-definition camera.

Despite the name, the robot doesn’t operate on its own; your surgeon is 100% in control at all times, guiding every movement from a console a few steps away.

Benefits of da Vinci surgery:

✅ Smaller incisions and less scarring
✅ Reduced blood loss and infection risk
✅ Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery
✅ Less pain and reduced need for narcotics
✅ Greater precision in delicate or hard-to-reach areas

What Kinds of Procedures Use the da Vinci System?

At St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens, robotic-assisted surgery can be used in many specialties, including:

• General surgery, including hernia repairs and gallbladder removal
• Thoracic surgery, including lobectomy and resection of mediastinal mass
• Urological surgery, including radical prostatectomy and sacrocolpopexy

Your provider can help you understand if you’re a good candidate for robotic surgery based on your condition, health history, and goals.

Does St. Mary’s Offer Other Kinds of Surgical Robots?

Yes, St. Mary’s Hospital is our region’s leader in robotic surgical technology. In addition to the da Vinci system, we offer

• Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy System: Makes collecting lung tissue samples for cancer diagnosis faster, safer, and more effective than open techniques
• Globus ExcelsiusGPS: Allows for ultra-precise placement of surgical screws in spinal fusion procedures
• Mako SmartRobotics: Uses 3D CT-based planning software and ultra-precise surgical instruments to assist with total hip and knee replacement

Is Robotic Surgery Safe?

Yes, robotic-assisted surgery is extremely safe when performed by trained, experienced surgeons like those at St. Mary’s. In fact, for the right procedures, it can lead to better outcomes with fewer complications.

At St. Mary’s, we’re proud to offer advanced surgical options like the da Vinci system while maintaining the compassionate, high-level care and higher-level caring our patients know and trust.

Talk to Your Provider About Your Options

Every patient is unique, and so is every surgery. The best way to understand your options is to talk with your provider. Together, you can discuss:

• The type of surgery you need
• Your personal health history and preferences
• What kind of recovery experience you want
• Whether robotic-assisted surgery is right for you

Start the conversation with your primary care provider at one of our trusted locations to see if a surgical referral is right for you:

• Athens Internal Medicine Associates – Athens
• Community Internal Medicine of Athens – Athens
• Georgia Family Medicine – Watkinsville
• Good Samaritan Primary Care – Greater Greene County area
• Sacred Heart Primary Care – Greater Franklin County area
• St. Mary's Family Medicine – Bogart
• St. Mary’s Internal Medicine Associates – Watkinsville/Oconee
• St. Mary’s Internal Medicine Associates on Chase – North Athens/Jackson/Madison
• St. Mary's Primary Care – Athens