Robotic Gastrectomy

Robotic gastrectomy is an innovative form of stomach cancer treatment that takes a minimally invasive approach to surgery. In the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center, our surgeons use the advanced da Vinci® Surgical System to perform gastric surgery with high levels of precision and control. For certain patients who elect surgery for stomach cancer treatment, a robotic gastrectomy can lead to a lower risk of complications, less scarring, a faster recovery and a better quality of life (as compared to a traditional surgical procedure).

Powered by robotic technology, the da Vinci® Surgical System translates a surgeon’s hand motions into small, highly precise movements of tiny instruments within a patient’s body. One such instrument is a laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a miniature camera and light attached to the end. During robotic gastrectomy surgery, the camera transmits real-time images to a video monitor in the operating room. Throughout the procedure, the surgeon can refer to the monitor for additional guidance.

The da Vinci^® Surgical System also enables a surgeon to perform robotic gastrectomy through a few small incisions. Some of its other key features include:

• An innovative patient-positioning system that provides a surgeon with optimal accessibility
• An ergonomically designed seated console for a surgeon to use while operating
• A magnified vision system that provides a surgeon with a high-definition, three-dimensional view of the surgical site
• Wristed instruments that bend and rotate much farther than the limits of a human hand allow

While the da Vinci^® Surgical System incorporates state-of-the-art technology, it is the skill of the surgeon who uses it to perform robotic gastrectomy that can make a true difference in a patient’s outcome. Because Moffitt is a high-volume cancer center, our surgeons have opportunities to perform robotic procedures on a regular basis. As a result, they have acquired extensive experience with the da Vinci^® Surgical System and the most effective ways to use it.

In addition to highly advanced stomach cancer treatment options like robotic gastrectomy, Moffitt has a robust portfolio of clinical trials through which our patients can access promising new treatments before those options are made available in other settings. In recognition of our groundbreaking research, Moffitt has been designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, and we are the only cancer center based in Florida to have earned this prestigious title.

For more information about robotic gastrectomy or other stomach cancer treatment options, call Moffitt Cancer Center at 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. We accept patients with and without referrals.