Robot-assisted surgery in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Robotic surgery provides surgeons with an alternative to traditional open surgery and conventional laparoscopy. At Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, our surgeons use robotic surgery across numerous specialties.

Additionally, we are the only facility in Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties with robotic-assisted technology for joint replacement surgery.

For more information about our robotic surgical services, please call our Consult-A-Nurse® team at (850) 864-0213.

Robot-assisted surgery allows surgeons increased control and unmatched precision, providing greater range of motion to access hard-to-reach areas. The robotic platform enables surgeons to perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through very small incisions.

Robotic surgery may not be appropriate for every individual. Patients are advised to ask their doctor about the risks and benefits of all treatment options.

How robotic surgery works

It is important to know that robotic surgery does not place a robot in control of your surgery. Your surgeon controls every aspect of the surgery with the assistance of the robotic platform.

The surgeon inserts thin, robotic surgical "arms" into tiny incisions. The robotic system has "joints," which provide a greater range of motion than human wrists.

Attached to the robotic arm is a small video camera, which provides high-definition images of the surgical site.

Using the viewfinder of the console, the surgeon views the enhanced images. The surgeon can seamlessly translate their motions into smaller, more precise movements of the robotic instruments.

Benefits of robotic surgery

Minimally invasive robotic surgery offers patients many benefits, which may include:

  • A faster return to normal daily activities
  • Better clinical outcomes
  • Less blood loss
  • Less scarring
  • Shorter recovery time
  • Significantly less pain

Types of robotic surgery

Our surgeons operate with robot-assisted technology across numerous specialties, such as:

  • General surgery
  • Gynecologic surgery
  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Urologic surgery

Robotic colorectal surgery

Robotic surgery may be used to treat colorectal conditions, including:

  • Colon cancer
  • Diverticulitis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease)
  • Rectal cancer

Surgery to remove all or part of the colon is known as a colectomy. Rectal cancer surgery is known as a low anterior resection.

Robotic gastrointestinal surgery

Our gastroenterologists provide digestive health treatments to treat gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. When other treatments prove ineffective, they may recommend robotic surgery.

Some of our robotic gastrointestinal surgeries include:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) surgery—Upper curve of the stomach is secured to strengthen the valve between the esophagus and stomach, stopping acid from rising into the esophagus as easily (also called Nissen fundoplication)
  • Gallbladder surgery—Removal of the gallbladder
  • Hernia repair surgery—Weak tissue in the wall of the stomach or groin is secured and any holes are closed

Robotic gynecologic surgery

The following gynecologic procedures may be performed using robotic surgery:

  • Hysterectomy—Surgical removal of the uterus and/or other reproductive organs
  • Myomectomy—Surgical removal of uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis resection—Surgical treatment of endometriosis

Robotic joint replacement surgery

Our robotic surgery system for total hip and partial knee replacements allows our surgeons to create a preoperative plan based on the patient's unique anatomy.

First, we take a computed tomography (CT) scan of the diseased hip or knee joint. This CT scan is uploaded into the robotic system's software, where a 3D model of the joint will be created. The 3D model will be used to preplan the procedure.

The robotic system guides the surgeon within the predefined area and helps prevent the surgeon from moving outside the planned boundaries. This helps to provide more accurate placement and alignment of the implant.

If your doctor recommends you for a joint replacement, we provide preoperative education through our orthopedics program. This educational class is designed to help prepare patients for what to expect before, during and after joint replacement surgery.

Robotic urologic surgery

A urologic condition is any disease or disorder affecting the male reproductive organs or the male and female urinary tracts.

Some common urologic conditions which may be treated with robotic surgery include:

  • Bladder cancer
  • Kidney disorder or cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Urinary blockage