Robotic Surgery for Liver and Abdominal Cancers

At Surgical Oncology at Mercy, an experienced team of surgeons provides advanced skills in robotic surgery for abdominal cancers including pancreatic, liver, colon and small bowel tumors.

What is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be used in the treatment of some cancers. Robotic arms assists the doctor during surgery, allowing for more precision, flexibility and control than conventional surgery. The surgeon remains in full control of the movements of the robotic arm while performing the surgery through several small incisions in the abdomen.

How is Robotic Surgery performed?

Several small incisions are made in the abdomen to perform robotic surgery. The robotic arms, which hold the instruments, are inserted into surgical incisions and the surgeon controls the arm movements remotely from a console to complete the surgery.

Mercy’s robotic surgeons are in complete control of the surgery and the robot. The doctor uses the robot to precisely and carefully remove damaged tissue. The surgical robot allows the surgeon many advantages in performing the surgery, including:

  • Greater surgical precision
  • Increased range of motion
  • Improved dexterity
  • Enhanced visualization of the area to be treated
  • Improved access to remove the damaged tissue

What types of abdominal cancer can be treated with Robotic Surgery?

Mercy's physicians provide expertise in robotic surgery for:

What are the advantages of Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery offers patients many distinct advantages. For most patients, robotic surgery offers the following:

  • Faster recovery
  • Smaller – almost undetectable – incisions
  • Less pain
  • A shorter hospital stay
  • The ability to quickly return to daily routines

Not all patients qualify for robotic surgery so, as always, to determine the best treatment option a surgical solution, physicians and patients work closely together to make the best decision that will result in the best possible outcome. Patients are always encouraged to talk to their physician, ask questions, and make educated and informed decisions.

Surgical Oncology at Mercy is recognized for skilled cancer surgeons who provide expertise in treating patients with melanoma, abdominal/stomach and GI cancers.