Robotic Supported Surgery
Gentle surgery with robotics
If you’ve been told you might need surgery, it’s normal to picture a big incision, a long hospital stay, and weeks of recovery. But these days, that isn’t always the case.
At Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana, we use robotic-assisted surgery to make many procedures gentler, more precise, and easier to bounce back from.
Robotic surgery isn’t about turning the operating room over to machines. It’s about giving highly trained surgeons the most advanced tools available — tools that help them see better, move with incredible accuracy, and perform complex tasks through tiny openings instead of large cuts.
What is robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery (also called robot-assisted surgery or robotic-assisted surgery) is a form of minimally invasive surgery. Instead of one large incision, surgeons make a few small ones. Through these, they guide slender robotic instruments and a high-definition camera that magnifies and provides a better view of the surgical site.
From a console that features high-def computer technology, your surgeon controls every movement of the robotic arms. The system translates the doctor’s hand and wrist motions into incredibly steady, precise actions inside your body. Think of it as high-tech craftsmanship: The surgeon is always in charge but uses instruments that can bend, rotate, and maneuver in ways the human hand alone can’t.
Benefits of robotic surgery
Robotic surgery offers real advantages that make your experience smoother and recovery faster. With smaller incisions and less pain, many people go home the same day or within 24 hours, ready to get back to what matters most.
Key benefits for you include:
- Faster return to everyday life
- Lower blood loss
- Reduced post-op pain
- Shorter hospital stays
- Smaller, less-visible scars
Although robotic surgery isn’t suitable for every procedure, when it is, healing might feel easier and more comfortable.
Types of robotic surgery at Reid Health
We combine advanced robotic platforms with traditional surgical techniques to provide tailored care that best suits your condition and needs. Our surgeons have the flexibility to select the most appropriate technology — or combine approaches — to ensure the safest and most effective outcomes.
We use several robotic platforms, each designed for different specialties:
- Da Vinci® Surgical System– Commonly used for gynecologic, urologic, general, and colorectal surgeries, this system allows for minimally invasive procedures with greater precision and control. As a result, you might experience less pain and faster recovery times.
- Mako® Robotic-arm System – Designed for orthopedic procedures like hip and knee replacements, Mako helps surgeons position implants with exceptional accuracy, improving your joint function and mobility. Its real-time feedback enhances surgical confidence and reduces complications.
- Mazor® Spine System– Supports spine surgery by enabling detailed preoperative planning and precise placement of screws or rods, which minimizes tissue disruption and improves surgical accuracy. This system contributes to better outcomes and quicker healing.
Examples of robotic surgery
At Reid Health, robotic technology is making many different kinds of surgeries gentler and recoveries quicker. Your care team will talk through the options and help you decide whether a robotic-assisted approach fits your needs.
What to expect
From your consultation to full recovery, our team will guide you every step of the way. Your surgeon will review your medical history, explain the robotic-assisted procedure, and answer any questions to help you feel confident about your care.
On surgery day, you’ll be under general anesthesia while your surgeon uses robotic instruments controlled via a computer, allowing for precise movements through small incisions.
Recovery is typically quicker than traditional, open surgery, with many people going home the same or next day. You’ll receive detailed instructions for rest, activity, and wound care. Benefits of robotic-assisted surgery include smaller scars, less pain and bleeding, and faster return to normal activities — all designed to make your experience gentler and your healing smoother.
Why choose Reid Health for robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery at Reid Health blends advanced technology with compassionate expertise. The “robot” is never in charge — your surgeon is. By pairing skilled human care with leading-edge tools, many procedures become less invasive, more precise, and easier to recover from.