CHUV Acquires a Single-Incision Surgical Robot

Up to 400 patients per year could benefit from the “Da Vinci Single Port” system, developed by Intuitive Surgical, which is designed to minimize tissue damage—and thus speed up recovery time.

The University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV) announces the launch of a single-port surgical robot—a first in French-speaking Switzerland, according to the institution.

The “Da Vinci Single Port” system, developed by Intuitive Surgical, allows surgery to be performed through a single incision of approximately 2.7 cm or via access through the mouth, vagina, or anus. The miniaturized instruments and camera are inserted through this access point and then controlled remotely from a console with 3D vision.

“In many cases, this approach reduces the area of skin that needs to heal, the volume of tissue to be traversed, post-operative pain, the need for opioids, and the length of hospital stay,” explains Christian Simon, head of the Department of Surgery, in a press release.

According to the CHUV, approximately 400 patients per year could benefit from this new approach, particularly in ENT, urology, thoracic and visceral surgery, gynecology, and pediatrics. With procedures potentially completed in less than 24 hours, this technology could also facilitate outpatient care.

Karma Lambercy, a surgeon in the Department of ENT and Cervicofacial Surgery at CHUV, highlights the benefits for certain tonsil tumors: “This technology allows us to access the site through the mouth, preserving the face and accelerating functional recovery, particularly regarding swallowing.”

In urology, Franck Bruyère, a surgeon and department head, highlights an extraperitoneal approach: “The single incision allows us to operate without entering the abdominal cavity, which reduces risks to neighboring organs, provides a stable surgical field, and enables better recovery for patients.”

Etienne Abdelnour-Berchtold, a surgeon in the Thoracic Surgery Department, finally discusses the benefits for thoracic surgery procedures: “This robotic assistant will allow us to operate on certain early-stage lung or mediastinal cancers through a single incision beneath the ribs. This approach is less painful for the patient compared to accessing the area between the ribs.”

The surgical robot is also presented as a training tool. Since it incorporates a 3D simulator, the system allows young surgeons to practice in a virtual environment before moving to the operating room.

➡️ Source: Press Release | 📸 ©CHUV