Robotic Surgery

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery uses advanced technology to maximize surgical accuracy and flexibility while minimizing downtime and complications. In robotic surgery, Dr. Patching performs your procedure using a specialized control panel. 

He makes only tiny incisions (about a quarter-inch each) and uses special miniature instruments to perform procedures. 

Dr. Patching was the first surgeon in the state to perform robotic surgery in 2014 and remains the most experienced and knowledgeable robotic surgery specialist in the Sacramento area.

How does robotic surgery work? 

Dr. Patching (not a robot) performs robotic surgery. He controls a robotic arm as he performs your procedure, so it’s much like an extension of his own arm. The robotic arm never moves on its own. 

Dr. Patching watches the surgical site on a high-definition monitor as he operates. He has a 3D view (versus a 2D view on a typical TV screen) for superior visibility. 

The robotic arm offers dependable steadiness and tremendous flexibility, well beyond that of a human arm. The da Vinci xi system allows Dr. Patching to achieve maximum accuracy with minimal skin and internal organ disruption.

Most patients can leave the hospital less than a day after robotic surgery and experience less pain, fewer complications, and easier recoveries than traditional surgery.

Are robotic and laparoscopic surgery the same?

With robotic surgery, Dr. Patching controls a robotic arm that holds the surgical instruments, but with laparoscopic surgery, he holds the surgical tools himself. Essentially, robotic surgery is laparoscopic surgery with additional technological advances. 

Dr. Patching was a pioneer in laparoscopic surgery as well as robotic surgery. He’s been at the forefront of his field since 1993, when he completed one of the first advanced laparoscopic fellowships in the world. 

When might I need robotic surgery?

Dr. Patching regularly uses the robotic approach for bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and Lap-Band®.

As a bariatric medicine specialist, Dr. Patching also has extensive experience  treating complications common among people who struggle with their weight, including gallstones and hernias. He can treat even complex issues that normally require major abdominal surgery using robotic surgery.

Dr. Patching treats the whole patient, which means he corrects problems at their source and sets you up for success. 

To learn more about robotic surgery, call Steven Patching, MD, or book your consultation online now.