FAQs for daVinci

What are the benefits of da Vinci Surgery compared with traditional methods of surgery?
Some of the major benefits experienced by surgeons using the da Vinci Surgical System over traditional approaches have been greater surgical precision, increased range of motion, improved dexterity, enhanced visualization and improved access. Benefits experienced by patients may include a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less risk of infection, less blood loss, fewer transfusions, less scarring, faster recovery and a quicker return to normal daily activities. None of these benefits can be guaranteed, as surgery is necessarily both patient- and procedure-specific.


Where can I find the da Vinci system in East Tennessee?
The da Vinci surgical system is available at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Talk to you doctor about your qualifications for UT Medical Center’s da Vinci surgical system.

Will the da Vinci Surgical System make the surgeon unnecessary?
On the contrary, the da Vinci System enables surgeons to be more precise, advancing their technique and enhancing their capability in performing complex minimally invasive surgery. The robotic surgery system replicates the surgeon's movements in real time. It cannot be programmed, nor can it make decisions on its own to move in any way or perform any type of surgical maneuver without the surgeon's input.

Is a surgeon using the da Vinci Surgical System operating in "virtual reality?”
Although seated at a console a few feet away from the patient, the surgeon views an actual image of the surgical field while operating in real-time, through tiny incisions, using miniaturized, wristed instruments. At no time does the surgeon see a virtual image or program/command the system to perform any maneuver on its own/outside of the surgeon's direct, real-time control.

While using the da Vinci Surgical System, can the surgeon feel anything inside the patient's chest or abdomen?
The system relays some force feedback sensations from the operative field back to the surgeon throughout the procedure. This force feedback provides a substitute for tactile sensation and is augmented by the enhanced vision provided by the high-resolution 3D view.

Which procedures have been performed using the da Vinci Surgical System? Which additional procedures are possible?
The da Vinci System is a robotic surgical platform designed to enable complex procedures of all types to be performed through 1-2 cm incisions or operating “ports.” To date, tens of thousands of procedures including general, urologic, gynecologic, thoracoscopic and thoracoscopically assisted cardiotomy procedures have been performed using the da Vinci Surgical System. da Vinci is designed to perform many minimally invasive procedures, including with gastric bypass, prostate cancer, hysterectomy, cardiac and thoracic applications and other gynecological conditions. Read more.

What is the da Vinci robotic surgery success rate?
As with any surgery, individual outcomes will vary. However, most patients experience many benefits of the da Vinci Surgical System, including quicker recovery, shorter hospital stay and less pain. Talk to your doctor to see if you are qualified for a da Vinci surgery and your specific condition. Read publications about the clinical efficacy of da Vinci surgery.

Has the da Vinci Surgical System been cleared by the FDA?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the da Vinci Surgical System for a wide range of procedures. Please see the FDA Clearance page for specific clearances and representative uses. Read more about da Vinci safety.

Is da Vinci Surgery covered by insurance?
Of course, it is important to check with your insurance company to know for sure. da Vinci Surgery is categorized as robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, so any insurance that covers minimally invasive surgery generally covers da Vinci Surgery. This is true for widely held insurance plans such as Medicare. It is important to note that your coverage will depend on your plan and benefits package. For specifics regarding reimbursement for da Vinci Surgery, or if you have been denied coverage, please call the Reimbursement Hotline at 888.868.4647 ext. 3128.