We sat down with Dr. Wade Sexton, Director of Moffitt's Robotics Program, to understand the latest advancement in minimally invasive robotic surgery. At Moffitt Cancer Center, our surgeons use the da Vinci® Surgical System to perform complex procedures with unmatched levels of precision and control.
Why is robotic surgery recommended as an option for cancer patients?
For patients, robotic surgery means shorter recovery times, lower complication rates and smaller scars, as well as higher satisfaction rates. While robotic technology is one of the leading innovations in modern surgery, robotic systems are only as good as the surgeons who use them. Nobody understands that better than Moffitt surgeons. Moffitt is a high-volume cancer center where surgeons perform minimally invasive robotic procedures every day. Because our surgeons complete robotic operations for various malignancies on a regular basis, they are intimately familiar with the da Vinci® Surgical System and the most effective ways to use the technology during surgery.
What are some of the cancer types where robotic surgery is performed?
Not only are our surgeons extremely experienced with robotic procedures, but they also specialize in surgery for a single type of cancer. For instance, Moffitt’s team includes surgeons who specialize in robotic surgery for the following conditions:
- Adrenal tumors
- Bladder cancer
- Colon cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Gynecologic cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thymoma
- Uterine cancer
What are some of the advantages of robotic surgery?
The unmatched level of surgical expertise at Moffitt allows us to produce exceptional outcomes for our patients. And, because our robotic procedures are associated with less postoperative pain and shorter hospital stays, many of our patients report a higher quality of life during recovery. A wide range of supportive care services are also available to help with postoperative recovery and convalescence.
Our team of experts considers it a great privilege to partner with referring physicians. We will maintain detailed records to keep you updated on your patient’s progress throughout the time he or she is under our care. To facilitate seamless communication, we’ve also established a 24/7 hotline for questions and record requests.
If you’d like to refer a patient to Moffitt Cancer Center, complete our online form or contact a physician liaison for assistance. As part of our efforts to shorten referral times as much as possible, online referrals are typically responded to within 24 - 48 hours.
