The electronics in the robotic camera gives you superior visibility compared to anything we have, including our own eyes.
Ohwofiemu Nwariaku, M.D., Associate Professor and Vice-Chair in the Department of Surgery
UT Southwestern offers our patients robotic-assisted surgery for a range of procedures. Ideally suited for working in small, tight spaces within the body, the sophisticated robotic platform operated by our specially trained surgeons overcomes some of the limitations of both traditional open surgery and conventional minimally invasive surgery. For example, the robot’s mechanical articulating tip allows for up to 9 degrees of movement, which is more flexible than a human wrist. And the stereoscopic eyes give surgeons lifelike visibility, depth, and detail during the procedure.
Robotic surgery offers patients less pain, fewer complications, and a faster return to normal daily activities.
Robotic surgical procedures performed at UT Southwestern include:
Our dual-console robotic platforms, available at St. Paul and Zale Lipshey University Hospitals, not only help train the next generation of robotic surgeons but also allow two skilled surgeons to operate simultaneously on a patient.
Our robotic surgeons are some of the most experienced of their kind in the nation.
At UT Southwestern, we performed:
Our surgeons have also helped advance the field and are unique in many ways. For example:
Kemp Kernstine, M.D., performed several first robotic chest procedures and techniques, including the first published robotic oncologic esophagectomy in the world. He has become one of the highest volume robotic thoracic surgeons in the country with outstanding results.
Ellen Wilson, M.D., is one of few in the region who performs robotic tubal reversals.
Our robotic surgery team also includes specially trained nurses and physician assistants. Understanding all aspects of robotic surgery, this elite team is trained in preoperative, operative, and postoperative robotic surgery and patient care.