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How surgical robots reduce recovery time

TMC Health

·

02/03/2025

staff in green surgery scrubs  operates Da Vinci 5 robot

Tucson Medical Center is now home to five surgical robots with the arrival of three new Da Vinci 5 robotic systems in January. The robots are designed to enhance surgeon precision and control, helping them perform minimally invasive procedures.

TMC has utilized surgical robots for the past 10 years. With more than 150 new design innovations, the new fleet expands upon the care patients can receive. The updated system includes new surgeon controllers, 3DHD visualization and intuitive motion. The surgeon is in control of the robotic system, which translates their hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body.

"This saves us a lot of time and effort. It allows us to be more accurate," said Dr. Stefanie Schluender. "Our patients do so much better."

Dr. Schluender uses the high-tech device to perform colorectal surgery. She said that with the help of the robot, the average length of stay is half of what it used to be.

"The goal is to get patients back to their lives and families," Dr. Schluender said. "This technology helps us do that."

The robots can be used in various procedures, including colorectal, gynecological, urological, and general surgeries.

Find out more about colorectal cancer treatment at Tucson Medical Center here.