Who’s a Candidate for Robotic Surgery?

Robotic Surgery

Why choose Ochsner Health for robotic surgery?

In the world of robotic surgery, experience matters. Ochsner Health surgeons are regional leaders in the field. Our surgeons use robotic approaches for the most complex cases when performing surgery, while other surgeons may rely on open, traditional techniques. Using the most advanced robotic technology on the market, our team provides results so you can get back to your active life.

Robotic surgery, also known as robotic-assisted surgery, is a type of specialized minimally invasive surgery. During procedures that use robotic technology, the surgeon sits at a console in the operating room and manipulates mechanical arms equipped with a camera and surgical tools — all from outside the body — while watching the surgery in real time on a monitor. The camera allows the surgeon to see parts of the body that aren’t visible with the naked eye, and the instruments allow the surgeon to perform complex operations with more precision.

Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans has achieved accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, recognized for delivering high quality patient care. Our robotic surgery service line has undergone rigorous inspection by an independent, patient safety organization, confirming the commitment to excellence by delivering safer procedures, exceptional care and ensuring a better overall surgical experience.

Robotic surgery is available at several locations in Louisiana and Mississippi. Find a location near you.

Ochsner offers robot-assisted options in multiple areas. Surgeries include:

Bariatric surgery

Colon and rectal surgery

Endocrine surgery

General surgery

Gynecology

Gynecology oncology

Head and neck cancer

Joint replacement

Stomach and digestive surgery

Surgical oncology

Thoracic surgery

Transplant

Urology

Ochsner surgeons try to perform every surgery with robotic assistance while also making the best decisions for their patients.

Unusual body features, underlying health issues or other complications may require an alternative approach. In these cases, the surgeon moves forward with another minimally invasive technique or traditional, open surgery.

Since the widespread adoption of robotic surgery in the early 2000s, Ochsner surgeons have used the technology for an ever-growing number of surgical procedures. Today, they perform both routine and complex operations robotically.

Special uses of the robot at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans include:

Bronchoscopy and resection: Ochsner was the first hospital in the region to offer a robot-assisted bronchoscopy and resection. Using a 3D map of the airway, our lung specialists can diagnose and remove early-stage lung cancer in one hospital visit. This eliminates the need for multiple visits over a period of weeks or even months.

Knee and hip replacement: Hip and knee replacements are common procedures that can reduce pain and allow you to move better. Both are elective surgeries with high success rates. Our surgeons use the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution for knee replacement surgeries, and the Mako Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System for knee and hip replacement surgeries. Both robotic techniques improve overall implant alignment accuracy compared to traditional manual surgical techniques.

Whipple: This procedure treats pancreatic cancer. The surgeon removes the gallbladder, pancreas head, surrounding lymph nodes and more. Radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may come before or after surgery. Ochsner surgeons performed the first robotic Whipple procedure in Louisiana. Today, they perform more robotic Whipple procedures each year than any hospital in the region. They also offer major robotic hepatectomy for liver resection, which is not an option at many other area facilities.

Robotic surgery allows surgeons to access the surgical site through tiny incisions. Using high-tech imaging, they can view the surgical site clearly as they pass surgical instruments through the smaller incision and maneuver them with the human hand. This enables surgeons to make more precise movements during operations.

As a result, you can expect: