Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery (also known as MIS, laparoscopic, or endoscopic surgery) allows physicians to perform many types of surgical procedures through 1-2 cm incisions. For most patients, a minimally invasive approach offers substantially less pain, less blood loss and a much shorter recovery. Other advantages include reduced need for blood transfusions, minimal scarring, less risk of infection, shorter hospital stays and quicker return to normal activities.

MIS Benefit Summary Shorter hospital stay Less pain and scarring Less risk of infection Less blood loss and fewer transfusions Faster recovery Quicker return to normal activities

Despite the widespread use of minimally invasive or laparoscopic technology in today's hospitals, adoption of laparoscopic techniques, for the most part, has been limited to routine procedures. This is due mostly to the limited capabilities of older instruments as well as traditional video technology surgeons must rely on to operate through small incisions.

Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery

By dramatically enhancing visualization, precision, control and dexterity, the da Vinci® System overcomes the limitations of traditional laparoscopic technology, helping physicians to perform complex surgery in a manner never before experienced. With enhanced surgical capabilities, physicians are now able to extend the benefits of minimally invasive surgery to the broadest possible range of patients.

Enabling Technology

The da Vinci Surgical System consists of an ergonomically designed surgeon’s console, a patient-side cart with four interactive robotic arms, a high-performance vision system and proprietary EndoWrist® Instruments. Powered by state-of-the-art robotic technology, the surgeon’s hand movements are scaled, filtered and seamlessly translated into precise movements of the EndoWrist Instruments.

The System cannot be programmed, nor can it make decisions on its own. The da Vinci System requires that every surgical maneuver be performed with direct input from your surgeon.

The da Vinci Surgical System has been successfully used in tens of thousands of minimally invasive procedures worldwide.

Patient-Driven Demand

Intuitive Surgical's advances in minimally invasive surgery have received continual support not only from the medical community, but also from patients and their families. The patient benefits of MIS — including faster recovery time, less blood loss and less scaring — have helped drive demand for robotic procedures.

Learn More

To learn more about minimally invasive surgery performed with the da Vinci System, talk with your doctor.