One of the most significant advancements in modern medical technology, robotic surgery has enabled surgeons to perform a host of common procedures in a less invasive manner than ever before.

Whether used for urologic procedures, hysterectomies or gynecologic cancer surgeries, the flexibility and pinpoint accuracy of robotics result in less scarring, less blood loss and much faster recovery for the patient.

Watson Clinic gynecologic oncologist Richard J. Cardosi, MD, was the first physician in Polk County to successfully complete a hysterectomy procedure utilizing robotics, and is among the most experienced robotic surgeons in the nation for gynecologic cancer surgery. He treats both complex benign gynecologic conditions and gynecologic malignancies with the new technology for approximately 60% of his total surgical procedures.

“The precision of the robotic controls is unequaled, and guided at all times by the surgeon,” says Dr. Cardosi, who was recently ranked #2 in robotic surgery volume for gynecologic oncology in the state of Florida and #9 in the nation according to Intuitive Surgical, Inc., the manufacturer of the da Vinci robotics equipment. “The results of these procedures have been exceptional across the board and the patient response has been very enthusiastic.”

During the robotic hysterectomy procedure, a robot with mechanical arms is positioned by the patient’s bedside. Surgical tools are attached to the arms and inserted through very small incisions in a woman’s abdomen. The surgeon remains in complete control of the procedure every step of the way, directing the robotic arms with specialized hand controls while sitting at a console from which he views the operating field in 3-D with high definition optics.

In 2006, Watson Clinic urologists David L. Bowers, MD, and James A. Wilson, MD, became the first physicians in Florida to perform two robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomies (bladder removal surgery). In addition to these procedures, both physicians continue to utilize robotics for a host of additional surgeries, including prostatectomies (partial or complete removal of the prostate gland) and partial nephrectomies (removal of part of kidney). Urologist Jens C. Carlsen, DO, performs certain procedures robotically as well.

Watson Clinic surgeons have long been leaders in utilizing advanced robotics in the specialties of cardiothoracic surgery, gynecologic oncology and urology. Meanwhile, Watson Clinic obstetrician-gynecologist Tarek Garas, MD, performs a variety of gynecologic procedures using the robotic method, including those aimed at treating reproductive issues, pelvic floor dysfunction, hysterectomies and uterine fibroids (benign, non-cancerous growths). Additionally, gynecologists Donald W. Langley, DO, and J. Brian Hopper, MD, are currently in training to add the da Vinci technology to their practice.

• da Vinci Surgery
• da Vinci Surgery Facebook
• da Vinci  Surgery Hysterectomy
• Everyday Health
• Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
• Patient Testimonials
• Women's Works