Single-Site™ Instrumentation for
the da Vinci^® Si™ Surgical System

What is Single-Site Instrumentation for the da Vinci Si Surgical System?

Single-Site Instrumentation is a new operating platform attached to the da Vinci Si Surgical System that allows surgeons to remove the gallbladder from a single incision in the belly button.

This new instrumentation is designed for the minimally invasive removal of the gallbladder, a procedure also known as a cholecystectomy.

How Does it Work?

The da Vinci Si Single-Site System uses state-of-the art robotic and computer technologies. The system consists of an ergonomically designed surgeon’s console and a separate unit with one robotic camera arm and two interactive robotic arms that have high-performance, miniature instruments attached to them. Patients lie on a table under the robotic arms.

© 2012 Intuitive Surgical, Inc.

Seated a few feet away from the patient, the surgeon controls every movement of the da Vinci Single-Site System, viewing a magnified, high-resolution 3D image of the surgical site. To operate, the surgeon moves master controls that look like forceps. In real-time, the system translates each hand movement by the surgeon into precise micro-movements by the da Vinci miniaturized instruments attached to the robotic arms. Using the system’s autonomous camera control, surgeons can safely remove the gallbladder through the belly button in a single incision of approximately one inch.

The da Vinci Si Surgical System with Single-Site technology offers surgeons greater precision, increased range of motion, enhanced dexterity and improved access to the gallbladder without harming surrounding structures. This technology also limits movement at the surgical site, minimizing trauma and postoperative pain.

What are the advantages?

Transumbilical ("belly button") entry using the da Vinci Single-Site System is an outpatient procedure that’s minimally invasive, with no visible scar. Advantages of minimally invasive procedures and this instrumentation include:

• Single incision of approximately one inch
• Safe outcomes
• Fast recovery times
• Less pain
• Minimal blood loss
• Minimal scarring
• Enhanced surgical precision, control and stability with 3D, high-definition visualization

© 2012 Intuitive Surgical, Inc.

Is it right for you?

Talk with your doctor to see if this procedure is right for you. While the da Vinci Si Single-Site System has increased the number of patients who are candidates for minimally invasive gallbladder removal, it may not be right for everyone.

Why choose Alta Bates Summit Medical Center?

Alta Bates Summit performed the first robotic single incision gallbladder removal using the da Vinci System in April 2012.

Our surgeons keep abreast of technological advances, deliver a comprehensive spectrum of minimally invasive surgical procedures, and use state-of-the-art surgical equipment.

To find a physician with expertise in this technique, please call our Physician Health Match Referral Service at 510-869-6777.