Robot Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery
da Vinci Surgical System

University Community Hospital brings the future of surgery to the Tampa Bay community.

University Community Hospital is the only hospital system in the Tampa Bay area—and just the fourth in Florida—utilizing the da Vinci technology for three disciplines: urology, gynecology, and cardiology.

The da Vinci Surgical System is a sophisticated robotic platform designed for complex minimally invasive surgeries. This high tech, fully integrated system features an ergonomic console where the surgeon views high definition 3-D video from a camera inside the patient.

From the da Vinci console, the surgeon also controls four interactive robotic arms equipped with precision instruments. Powered by state-of-the-art robotic technology, the da Vinci System precisely mimics the movements of the surgeons’ hands while also filtering out even the slightest tremors.

Throughout the procedure, the da Vinci Surgical System also sends feedback sensations from the operative field to the surgeon. This force feedback allows surgeons to “feel” what they are doing. Along with the enhanced vision provided by the high-resolution 3-D view, surgeons are given a very realistic virtual experience. The net result is an intuitive interface with breakthrough surgical capabilities.

Though it is often called a “robot,” da Vinci cannot act on its own; the surgery is performed entirely by your doctor, who is seated at the console only a few feet away. The system cannot be programmed, nor can it make decisions on its own. Rather, the da Vinci System requires that every surgical maneuver be performed with direct input from the surgeon.

The da Vinci Surgical System enables surgeons to perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through very small incisions with unmatched precision. For patients, benefits may include:

• Significantly less pain
• Less blood loss
• Less scarring
• Shorter recovery time
• A faster return to normal daily activities
• And in many cases, better clinical outcomes  

Learn more:
> da Vinci urologic surgery (including treatment for prostate cancer )
> da Vinci gynocelogic surgery  (including hysterectomy)
> da Vinci cardiothoracic surgery (including mitral valve repair)
> The da Vinci Surgical System at daVinciSurgery.com

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.