da Vinci® Surgical System
LESS PAIN. SMALLER INCISIONS. FASTER RECOVERY.
Robotic-Assisted General & Gynecologic Surgery at United Hospital District
United Hospital District is proud to offer robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci 5® Surgical System, bringing advanced minimally invasive surgical technology to southern Minnesota.
The da Vinci system enhances your surgeon’s vision, precision, and control while performing select general surgery and gynecologic procedures through small incisions. For eligible patients, this approach may result in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to everyday life—all while receiving exceptional surgical care close to home.
Why Patients Choose da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Smaller Incisions
The da Vinci system allows select procedures to be performed through a few small incisions rather than one larger incision.
Potential for Less Pain
A minimally invasive approach may reduce disruption to surrounding tissue and help decrease discomfort after surgery.
Faster Recovery
Eligible patients may experience a shorter hospital stay and return to daily activities sooner than with traditional open surgery.
Enhanced Surgical Precision
The system translates your surgeon’s hand movements into precise movements of small surgical instruments.
Improved Visualization
A high-definition, magnified 3D view gives your surgeon a detailed look at the surgical area.
Care Close to Home
Patients can access advanced robotic-assisted surgery without traveling far from home.
Robotic Procedures Offered
United Hospital District currently offers robotic-assisted surgery for select general surgery and gynecologic procedures.
General Surgery
- Gallbladder Removal
- Appendectomy
- Colectomy
- Hernia Repair
Gynecology
- Hysterectomy
- Tubal Sterilization
- Endometriosis Excision
- Ovarian and Tubal Surgery
How the da Vinci 5® Surgical System Works
The da Vinci 5® Surgical System does not perform surgery independently. It is an advanced tool that allows your surgeon to operate through small incisions with enhanced vision, precision, and control.
Surgeon-Controlled Technology
Your surgeon operates the system from a nearby console and remains in complete control throughout the procedure.
Magnified 3D Visualization
A high-definition camera provides a detailed, magnified view of the surgical area, helping your surgeon clearly see delicate anatomy.
Advanced Surgical Instruments
The da Vinci 5® system uses tiny instruments that move like a human hand—but with an even greater range of motion. Your surgeon controls every movement, while built-in tremor filtration technology helps translate hand movements into smooth, precise instrument movements for greater control during surgery.
Meet Your Robotic Surgery Team
At United Hospital District, advanced technology is paired with compassionate, patient-centered care. Our surgeons use the da Vinci 5® Surgical System to provide eligible patients with minimally invasive options for general surgery and gynecologic procedures.
Dr. Alex Wong, MD
General Surgeon
Dr. Wong provides comprehensive general surgical care at UHD and performs select robotic-assisted procedures using the da Vinci 5® Surgical System. By combining surgical expertise with advanced technology, he develops individualized treatment plans focused on each patient’s condition, needs, and recovery goals.
Dr. Jodi Schulz, MD
Gynecologic Surgeon
Dr. Jodi Schulz provides comprehensive gynecologic and obstetrical care at UHD. She performs select robotic-assisted gynecologic procedures using the da Vinci 5® Surgical System, offering eligible patients a minimally invasive surgical option close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the robot perform the surgery?
No. Your surgeon performs every step of the procedure and remains in complete control of the da Vinci system at all times. The system does not move or make decisions independently.
Who may be eligible for robotic-assisted surgery?
Eligibility depends on your diagnosis, medical history, procedure, and overall health. Your surgeon will evaluate your condition and discuss whether robotic-assisted surgery is an appropriate option.
How is robotic-assisted surgery different from traditional surgery?
Traditional open surgery generally requires a larger incision. Robotic-assisted surgery allows select procedures to be performed through several small incisions using specialized instruments and a magnified 3D view.
Robotic-assisted surgery is another form of minimally invasive surgery. It gives the surgeon enhanced visualization and instruments with a greater range of motion than conventional laparoscopic instruments.
Are there risks?
All surgery carries potential risks, including infection, bleeding, blood clots, anesthesia-related complications, and injury to surrounding organs or tissue. Robotic-assisted surgery may also need to be converted to another surgical approach if necessary.
Your surgeon will review the potential risks and benefits before your procedure.
Your Surgeon Is Always in Control
The da Vinci system does not operate on its own.
Every movement is directed by your surgeon. The system does not make decisions, perform automated movements, or replace the experience and judgment of your surgical team.
