Surgeon Explains the Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Surgery

In 2021, Lompoc Valley Medical Center entered into a new surgical era with the introduction of the advanced Da Vinci robotic system. 

The Da Vinci, used for hundreds of surgeries since it arrived in Lompoc, benefits the patient with typically shorter hospitalization days, reduced pain and discomfort, faster recovery time, smaller incisions and minimal scarring. 

LVMC general and bariatric surgeon Dr. Christopher Taglia, F.A.C.S., F.A.S.M.B.S., D.A.B.O.M., has completed hundreds of surgeries using the Da Vinci, including bariatric, hernias and more. Several other LVMC surgeons are trained to use the system as well, including Dr. William Pierce, Dr. Peter Davis and Dr. Yvonne Wolny. 

The term “robotic” surgery may be confusing for some patients. The robotic system does not independently conduct the surgery – the surgeon is in control the entire time. When he is performing the surgery, Dr. Taglia sits at a unique console just a few feet from the surgical table. The console provides surgeons with a more ergonomic operating system, improving dexterity and precision. Surgeons using the console move the surgical instruments while observing the patient’s surgical area with enhanced 3D optics magnified 10 times to what the human eye can see. 

The robotic instrumentation enables the surgeons to access hard-to-reach anatomy. 

Lompoc Valley Medical Center is also an SRC-accredited Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, or COERS. SRC is a nonprofit patient safety organization that accredits the top hospitals, outpatient facilities and medical providers who excel in patient care. 

Learn more as Dr. Taglia answers questions about undergoing surgery with the Da Vinci robotic system: 

Q: Are there surgeries best accomplished using robotic systems? 
A: Robotic surgical systems have been used to perform gastrointestinal surgery, hernia repairs, gynecologic surgery, chest surgery and even thyroid and breast surgery in some select centers. 

Q: Why do you prefer using Da Vinci robotic system for surgeries? 
A: The robotic surgical system allows us to perform the same operation but with superior vision. The dissection is more precise and delicate resulting in less overall tissue trauma and a quicker recovery for our patients. 

Q: As a surgeon, what is it like to operate with this system? 
A: Imagine seeing the inner anatomy in 3-D and in high-definition. Then imagine being able to use small hand and finger movements to perform miniature movements on the robot that allow high-quality dissection of sensitive structures like veins and arteries. 

Q: What has surprised you about the Da Vinci’s ability to maneuver and view? 
A: The view of the anatomy of interest is always the highest quality. I can use this technology to see around corners and operate in tight spaces. 

Q: What should your patients know about having surgery with a robotic-assisted system? 
A: Surgery is always performed by the surgeon. There is no Artificial Intelligence (AI) involvement. The robotic surgical system is a tool for the surgeon to perform minimally invasive surgery and improve patient recovery. 

Q: Why do patients generally have shorter post-operative stays when undergoing Da Vinci surgery? 
A: Smaller incisions result in decreased post-operative pain and associated decreased need for pain medication. There is also a lower risk of infection. Less tissue trauma due to precise dissection also allows the body to recover more rapidly. 

Q: What does it mean that LVMC is an SRC-accredited Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery? 
A: This means that our hospital has both a high volume of robotic surgical procedures and has had excellent surgical outcomes based on both national and international data. Our hospital also must continuously perform quality improvement in order to maintain its accreditation status. 

Q: Why is it important to be an SRC Center of Excellence? 
A: Patients can trust that we are able to provide the highest quality of care based on the rigorous standards to which we must adhere. 

Surgery via the robotic-assisted Da Vinci system may not be appropriate for everyone. Please consult with your physician about your surgical options. For more information about robotic-assisted surgery, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Taglia, call Lompoc Health at 805-737-8700.