How does laparoscopic and DaVinci robotic surgery differ?
In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon and assistant hold the instruments. With the DaVinci robotic surgery, a machine holds the instrument. The surgeon sits at a console and controls the machine through a highly specialized computer system with a 3 dimensional computer screen. How long will I be in the hospital? The average hospital stay is for major abdominal surgery is 2-5 days. This time allows recuperation from surgery to include adequate pain control, return of bowel function and to insure the patient is tolerating solid food. The hospital stay after laparoscopic or DaVinci robotic surgery varies from outpatient to an overnight stay. Some patients with more extended surgical procedures or complex medical problems may need to stay longer. Why do I need a bowel prep? Some surgeries require complete evacuation of the colon to decrease the risk of infection or collapse the bowel for better visualization. In surgeries that involve removing a portion of the bowel, a good bowel prep may p
