Smaller Incisions, Greater Precision, a Surgeon in Full Control
At Matthew Lublin, MD, patients in Santa Monica, Encino and across the Los Angeles area can have many general surgery procedures performed with the da Vinci Surgical System. This advanced robotic platform translates Dr. Lublin’s hand movements into small, precise motions inside the body. It lets him operate through tiny incisions with magnified 3D vision, which often means less pain, less scarring and a quicker return to daily life.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is the da Vinci Surgical Robotic System?
The da Vinci Surgical System is a tool that combines advanced robotic, computer and optical technology to help Dr. Lublin perform surgery. The name can be misleading, because the robot never acts on its own. Every movement of every instrument is directed by Dr. Lublin, who sits at a console in the operating room only a few feet from the patient.
During robotic-assisted surgery, Dr. Lublin is 100% in control. The system scales his hand movements down and filters out natural hand tremor. This allows very small, precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body. These are the key features that make this possible:
- Wristed instruments bend and rotate like the human wrist, but with a greater range of motion. Dr. Lublin can make small, precise movements in tight spaces that are difficult to reach with traditional instruments.
- 3D-HD vision gives Dr. Lublin a magnified, high-definition, three-dimensional view of the surgical area, similar to looking through a microscope. Special instruments and computer software add to his precision, dexterity and control.
- Minimally invasive access means the operation is done through a few small incisions instead of one large opening. This leads to minimal scarring and a smoother recovery for most patients.
The robotic system is used for many common procedures in General Surgery, which is Dr. Lublin’s specialty. It is also used in Gynecology, Urology, Thoracic, Cardiac and Head & Neck surgery.
How the System Works During Your Procedure
The da Vinci system has three main parts that work together:
- The surgeon console is where Dr. Lublin sits. He views the 3D image of the surgical area and controls the instruments with hand and foot controls.
- The patient-side cart holds the robotic arms. These carry the camera and the specialized instruments placed through small incisions.
- The vision system processes the high-definition images and displays them to Dr. Lublin and to the operating room team.
A full surgical team stays at the bedside throughout the operation, just as in any other procedure. You receive general anesthesia, so you are asleep and comfortable the entire time.
What Is Robotic Surgery and How Can It Help Me?
Robotic surgery is a less invasive technique than “open” surgery, which is done through one larger incision. With robotic surgery, the incisions are much smaller, so it is considered minimally invasive surgery. Studies comparing robotic surgery with open surgery have shown these benefits:
- A shorter hospital stay
- Less blood loss
- Fewer complications
- Less need for narcotic pain medicine
- A faster recovery
- Smaller incisions with minimal scarring
Together, these advances give surgeons exceptional precision, dexterity and control during minimally invasive surgery. To see how the robotic approach compares with standard laparoscopy and open surgery, visit our Robotic vs. Laparoscopy vs. Open page.
What Surgery Does Dr. Lublin Perform Robotically?
Dr. Lublin uses the da Vinci system for a range of general surgery procedures, including:
- Inguinal (groin) hernia repair
- Umbilical hernia repair
- Incisional hernia repair
- Hiatal hernia repair
- Colon resection or removal
- Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)
- Weight loss or bariatric surgery
Not every patient or condition is best suited to a robotic approach. During your consultation at our Santa Monica or Encino office, Dr. Lublin will review your medical history and imaging. He will then recommend the surgical technique that best fits your needs. You can also read his answers to common patient questions in our Robotic Surgery Q&A with Dr. Lublin.
Common Questions About the da Vinci Surgical System
Does the robot perform the surgery by itself?
No. The da Vinci system cannot move or make decisions on its own. Dr. Lublin controls every instrument movement from the surgeon console, and the robot simply translates his hand motions into precise movements inside the body.
How is robotic surgery different from traditional laparoscopic surgery?
Both use small incisions. The da Vinci system adds wristed instruments that bend and rotate, a magnified 3D high-definition view and tremor filtering. This gives the surgeon more dexterity and precision, especially in tight or hard-to-reach areas.
What are the benefits of da Vinci surgery compared to open surgery?
Compared with open surgery, studies have shown a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss, fewer complications, less need for narcotic pain medicine, a faster recovery and smaller incisions with minimal scarring.
Which procedures does Dr. Lublin perform with the da Vinci system?
Dr. Lublin uses robotic surgery for inguinal, umbilical, incisional and hiatal hernia repair, colon resection, gallbladder removal and bariatric (weight loss) surgery.
Am I a candidate for robotic surgery?
Many patients are good candidates, but the best approach depends on your condition, medical history and prior surgeries. Dr. Lublin will evaluate you during a consultation and recommend robotic, laparoscopic or open surgery based on what is safest and most effective for you.
Will I be awake during robotic surgery?
No. Robotic procedures are performed under general anesthesia, so you are asleep and comfortable throughout. A full surgical and anesthesia team is at your bedside the entire time.
Where can I see Dr. Lublin for a robotic surgery consultation?
Dr. Lublin sees patients at two offices, one on Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica and one on Ventura Boulevard in Encino. Call (310) 828-2212 to schedule at either location.