Robotic Surgery (da Vinci)
The da Vinci robotic system translates the surgeon's hand movements into instruments that rotate further than the human wrist, under a magnified three-dimensional view. Op. Dr. Aydın Dincer holds a robotic surgery certificate and performs obesity, stomach, colon and rectal operations with this method in suitable patients.
Robotic surgery in brief
- Robotic surgery is a further step beyond keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery: the operation is still performed by the surgeon, while the system reproduces those movements without tremor and with greater precision.
- At the da Vinci console the surgeon works with a three-dimensional image magnified up to ten times, with true depth perception.
- Instruments rotate through angles of up to 540 degrees, so dissection is more controlled in confined spaces such as the pelvis.
- Incisions are small; less blood loss, less pain and a faster return to daily life are the aim.
- Not every patient or condition is suited to robotic surgery; the decision follows examination and imaging.
The robot does not operate on its own
The most common misunderstanding about robotic surgery is that the robot performs the operation. The system has no autonomous movement whatsoever. The surgeon sits at a console a few metres from the operating table; finger and wrist movements are transmitted to the arms in real time. When the surgeon lets go, the instruments stop.
What the system adds is an extension of the physical limits of the human hand: natural tremor is filtered out, broad movements can be scaled down, and the instrument tip works at angles the human wrist cannot reach.
What three-dimensional vision changes
In standard laparoscopy the image is viewed on a two-dimensional screen and depth is judged from experience. At the da Vinci console each eye receives its own camera feed, so the distance between tissue planes is perceived as it truly is.
This matters most in cancer operations, where nerves, vessels and tissue planes must be separated millimetre by millimetre. In rectal cancer, removing the fatty envelope around the tumour intact (total mesorectal excision) and preserving the nerves that govern urinary and sexual function depend directly on this quality of vision.
Where it is preferred
- Bariatric surgery: sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, especially in patients with a very high body mass index and a thick abdominal wall.
- Colorectal surgery: rectal cancer, where a narrow pelvis is the setting in which robotic surgery offers the clearest advantage.
- Stomach cancer: operations requiring extensive and systematic lymph node dissection.
- Reflux and hiatal hernia: repair of the diaphragmatic crura and suturing of the gastric wrap, both of which demand fine stitching.
Laparoscopy compared with robotic surgery
Both are keyhole methods working on the same principle: the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide and a camera and instruments are placed through small openings. The difference lies in how the instruments are controlled.
In laparoscopy the instruments are straight and pivot within a limited arc around the entry point in the abdominal wall. Robotic instruments have a wrist joint at the tip, which makes suturing and angled work in tight spaces easier. Laparoscopy, on the other hand, gives the surgeon direct tactile resistance, whereas in the robotic system that feedback is judged from visual cues.
Which suits a given patient depends on the site of disease, previous operations, intra-abdominal adhesions and general health. The robotic approach is not always "better" — it is the more appropriate method in particular situations.
Key facts
| Operations performed | Sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, colon and rectal cancer, stomach cancer, reflux and hernia surgery |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| Incisions | Usually several ports of 0.8–1.2 cm |
| Hospital stay | 1–5 days depending on the operation |
| Surgeon's credential | Robotic Surgery Certificate |
| Where performed | ASV Yaşam Hospital, Antalya |
How the process works
Assessment
Examination, imaging and any necessary endoscopic study establish the site and extent of disease.
Choosing the method
Robotic, laparoscopic and open surgery are discussed with the patient before a decision is made.
Preparation
Anaesthetic assessment, blood tests and, where needed, cardiology or respiratory review are completed.
Surgery
Ports are placed, the robotic arms are docked and the operation is carried out from the console.
Early recovery
Getting out of bed on the same day is usual, with a stepwise return to eating according to the operation.
Follow-up
Review appointments after discharge cover wound healing and the pathology result.
Frequently asked questions
Does a robot perform the operation?
No. The surgeon performs the operation from beginning to end. The da Vinci system is an instrument that transmits the surgeon's hand movements at the console; it neither decides nor moves on its own.
Is recovery faster after robotic surgery?
Small incisions are the shared advantage of keyhole methods, which generally means less pain and earlier mobility. Recovery time, however, depends chiefly on the operation itself, the patient's age and any accompanying illness.
Can robotic surgery be offered to every patient?
No. Extensive intra-abdominal adhesions, advanced heart or lung disease, or emergency bleeding may make open surgery safer. Suitability is decided after examination and investigation.
Can the method change during the operation?
Yes. When safety requires it, a robotic or laparoscopic operation may be converted to open surgery. This is not a complication but a decision that puts patient safety first, and it is discussed during the consent process.
Where is robotic surgery performed in Antalya?
Op. Dr. Aydın Dincer performs robotic procedures at ASV Yaşam Hospital in Muratpaşa, Antalya.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace a consultation. The treatment that suits you can only be determined after examination and tests.
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