Michael Bouvet, MD
- Surgical Oncologist
- Director of Endocrine Surgery
- Co-Director, Center for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery
- Professor of Surgery
Robot-Assisted Surgery
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Experience faster recovery, less pain and smaller scars with robotic surgery at UC San Diego Health.
This innovative approach allows your surgeons to magnify the surgical field and enhances their abilities in various areas, from general surgery to complex, specialized operations.
Our surgeons are at the forefront of robot-assisted surgical capability nationwide since we use this equipment across multiple specialties.
What is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that uses computer-enhanced technology to produce the best possible results for patients. Doctors use this advanced approach to perform delicate and precise surgeries, even in hard-to-reach areas, with greater accuracy, flexibility and precision.
Robotic technologies, such as the da Vinci surgical system, consist of:
- Specialized, mechanical "arms" that hold tiny surgical instruments and mirror the movements of the surgeon’s hands
- Tiny, high-definition camera with light that provides magnified, 3D images of the surgical area
- Surgical control console with high-resolution monitor from where the surgeon controls the movements of the camera and robotic arms
Advantages of Robot-Assisted Surgery
Robotic surgery is minimally invasive, meaning there are small or no incisions — instead of one or several large cuts during traditional open surgery. Robot-assisted surgery can:
- Reduce pain, discomfort and complications after surgery
- Cause less blood loss and tissue damage
- Cause smaller, less noticeable scars or no scars in the surgical area
- Lower the risk of infection and incisional hernias (organs or tissue that push through an incision after surgery)
- Shorten your recovery time and hospital stay
- Help you return faster to your daily life
Robotic Surgeries We Offer
Count on us to have the robotic technology and expertise needed in many specialties. An experienced team of surgeons, nurses and technicians performs each robot-assisted procedure.
Research and Clinical Trials
As the region's only academic health system, we conduct breakthrough research to improve surgical techniques and train future surgeons. Learn more:
Minimally Invasive Specialists
UC San Diego Health Achieves Milestones for Lifesaving Heart and Lung Treatments
In 2023, Mark Washburn began noticing a decline in his health as he dealt with new anxiety and worse...
Clinical Trial Evaluates Spatial Computing App on Apple Vision Pro in Operating Room
Minimally invasive surgeons at UC San Diego Health are the first in the nation to evaluate the poten...
Study: Surgical Intervention Improves Quality of Life for Patients with Acoustic Neuroma
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that using an innovative ...