Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss solutions are available at Main Line Health. Explore your bariatric surgery options today at locations throughout the Philadelphia area.
Robotic Surgery
Depending on your condition, Main Line Health's nationally recognized surgeons use robotic techniques to perform complex procedures with greater precision and smaller incisions, helping you experience less pain, recover faster and return to the life you love sooner.
What is robot-assisted surgery?
Robotic surgery is computer assisted surgery which allows the surgeon to perform complex operations through small incisions. The robotic equipment is always controlled by the surgeon at the console. Robotic technology is a powerful tool in the hands of an experienced surgeon and is associated with enhanced outcomes for the patients.
Robotic surgery through small incisions
During robot-assisted surgery, the surgeon manipulates miniaturized instruments which have greater range of motion than our hands. This precision helps your surgeon perform minimally invasive procedures in delicate or hard-to-reach areas.
At the surgeon console, doctors see the surgical area in high-definition 3D with 10x magnification, allowing them to view anatomy with more detail. This enhanced view allows precise movements and complex surgical procedures.
Robotic surgery at Main Line Health
With more than 80 Main Line Health surgeons in 11 specialties performing robotic surgery serving the Philadelphia region and beyond, we combine advanced technology with surgical expertise to help you get back to what you love quickly and safely. Robotic capabilities are available at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, Bryn Mawr Hospital in Bryn Mawr, Paoli Hospital in Paoli and Riddle Hospital in Media.
Our surgeons have been using robotic technology since 2005. Our team has performed over 25,000 robotic procedures at Main Line Health. Many members of our surgical team are world-renowned surgeons and pioneers in their respective fields. Their expertise has led to advancements in cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery and colorectal surgery that enable our surgeons to perform nearly all procedures robotically, significantly above national benchmarks and resulting in better patient outcomes.
Main Line Health’s surgeons host visiting surgical teams from the U.S. and international community who are seeking to learn robotic surgery. Main Line Health and our surgeons are routinely invited to other health systems and robotic training facilities to share their knowledge and assist in training other surgeons.
Main Line Health robotic surgeons undergo rigorous training and certification. They perform nearly 5,000 complex robotic surgeries every year.
Advanced robotic surgery technology
Main Line Health has invested in state-of-the-art da Vinci, Ion and Mako robotic surgical systems. In addition to multi-arm systems, Main Line Health was also one of the first in the world to acquire the single-port da Vinci surgical system, which provides access through a single incision or natural orifice, empowering surgeons to pioneer new surgical approaches that preserve healthy tissue and aim to improve patients’ quality of life.
The single-port system is currently being used at Main Line Health for colorectal and thoracic (chest) surgery.
State-of-the-art robotic bronchoscopy with the Ion system is being used by Main Line Health interventional pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons to diagnose and treat lung cancer.
The next-generation da Vinci 5 Surgical System is being used in heart surgery for robotic mitral valve and coronary artery bypass surgery.
Is robotic surgery right for me?
Robotic surgery may be an option for patients having:
- Thoracic surgery for chest, lung and esophageal conditions
- Colorectal surgery
- General surgery, including appendectomy and hernia repair
- Cancer surgery, including colorectal, lung, liver and head and neck cancer surgery
- Cardiac (heart and vascular) surgery, such as coronary artery bypass surgery and mitral valve repair and replacement
- Urologic surgery, such as prostatectomy and kidney surgery
- Gynecologic surgery, including hysterectomy and endometriosis
- Bariatric surgery for weight loss
- Orthopaedic surgery, including knee replacement
What to consider
Robotic surgery is not right for everyone. Your care team will consider factors such as your:
- Condition: Some health conditions may be better treated with traditional surgery.
- Overall health: Your health history and medical needs can affect eligibility.
What to expect with robotic surgery
Because every patient and procedure is unique, your care team will guide you through every step of the surgical process. Be sure to ask questions and share any concerns so you know what to expect before, during and after surgery.
Preparing for robotic surgery
Preparing for surgery can help you feel more confident and ready for the days ahead. Your surgeon and care team will provide specific instructions based on your procedure. The tips below can help you get ready for surgery day and plan for a smooth recovery.
- Follow your care team's instructions: Your care team will provide important instructions to help you prepare for surgery and recover safely afterward. If anything is unclear, don't hesitate to ask questions.
- Review your insurance coverage: Before surgery, contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage, out-of-pocket costs and any preauthorization requirements. Knowing what to expect can help avoid surprises later.
- Plan ahead for recovery: Your care team can tell you about any temporary restrictions after surgery, such as lifting, driving or other activities. Planning ahead can make it easier to arrange transportation, meals, childcare, pet care or extra help at home.
- Pack for your stay: If you may stay overnight, bring a few personal items, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. Leave valuables, including jewelry and watches, at home.
- Dress comfortably: Wear loose, comfortable clothing and easy-to-wear shoes on the day of your procedure.
- Prepare for check-in: Bring a photo ID, insurance cards, a copy of your advance directive (if applicable) and a form of payment for any required copayments.
Remember, your care team is here to support you and answer your questions throughout your surgical journey.
What recovery looks like
Your recovery after robotic or minimally invasive surgery will depend on your procedure, your overall health and your daily routine. Your care team will give you instructions to follow before and after surgery. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your work, family responsibilities, exercise routine and the activities that matter most to you. This can help your doctor explain what to expect after surgery, including pain, activity limits and when you may be able to return to work, drive and get back to your usual activities. Here are questions to ask before surgery.
- Care after surgery
What help will I need at home after surgery? Should someone stay with me full time? Will I need help getting in and out of a chair or bed? - Pain after surgery
How long does pain usually last after robotic or minimally invasive surgery? What should I know about taking pain medicine? - Eating and drinking after surgery
Will I need to avoid any foods or drinks after surgery? Are there foods or drinks you recommend during recovery? - Activity after surgery
What activities should I limit during recovery, such as sitting, lifting, having sex or climbing stairs? - Returning to work and daily activities
When can I go back to work, drive and return to my usual activities after surgery? - Exercise after surgery
When can I start exercising again after robotic or minimally invasive surgery?
When to call your doctor after surgery
Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments and follow the instructions from your care team. As you recover, it's normal to have questions or concerns. If something doesn't seem right, contact your surgeon or care team.
Call your doctor if you experience:
- Redness, swelling, drainage or increased tenderness around your incision site, which may be signs of infection
- A fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Excessive bleeding
- Any new or worsening symptoms that concern you
When to seek emergency care
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away if you experience:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe pain that continues to worsen or does not improve with medication
Procedures we offer we offer
Main Line Health is continuing to apply robot assistance to many surgical procedures. These are our current robotic surgery procedures:
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
- Mitral valve repair
- Mitral valve replacement
- Lung cancer surgery
- Colorectal surgery
- Hernia repair
- Bariatric (weight loss) surgery
- Prostatectomy
- Hysterectomy
- Knee replacement
- Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)
- Endometriosis surgery
- Sinus surgery
- Plastic surgery
- HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy)
What is minimally invasive robotic surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is a surgical approach that "minimizes" damage to the human body due to surgical incisions (cuts). While open or traditional surgery may still be the best option for some patients and some types of operations, many doctors are now performing a majority of their procedures with minimally invasive techniques, including robot-assisted surgery.
Robotic, laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery: What’s the difference?
Robotic-assisted surgery uses tiny instruments controlled by the surgeon at a console, providing superior precision and control.
Laparoscopic surgery uses a tiny camera and instruments that travel through a .5- to 1.5-centimeter incision, usually in the abdomen.
Endoscopic surgery uses a camera that can examine the inside of an organ and instruments that may be introduced through the nose, throat, rectum or another body opening.
What are the benefits and risks of robotic surgery vs. open surgery?
Benefits of robot-assisted surgery
- Smaller incisions
- Less pain and scarring
- Less bleeding
- Lower risk of infection and complications
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery
- Quicker return to work and activities
In addition, robotic surgery can enable surgeons to reach difficult places in the lung and abdomen, often leading to better outcomes.
Disadvantages of robotic surgery
There are always risks with any type of surgery, including reactions to anesthesia and bleeding, although robotic surgery generally has less risk than open surgery.
Robotic surgery may take longer for the care team to complete than traditional open surgery.
What is the da Vinci robot?
The da Vinci robot is the central part of the da Vinci surgical system, advanced technology that helps doctors see more clearly and move with care and precision. With da Vinci, surgeons operate through small incisions instead of one long cut. Robotic arms hold miniaturized surgical instruments and an endoscopic camera that allows your surgeon to see inside your body.
While da Vinci surgery is called robotic-assisted surgery, robots don’t perform surgery. Your surgeon is the expert in the operating room with you, seated at a console. From the console, your surgeon is in full control of the camera and instruments, which move like the human hand but bend and twist in even more directions. This helps your surgeon operate in delicate and hard-to-reach places. It enhances the dexterity and range of motion for your surgeon’s hands and adds precision in hard-to-reach areas.
Who should get robotic surgery?
Your surgeon can help determine whether robotic surgery would be a good option for you. Factors such as your specific condition, type of procedure you need and your overall health will be considered. Robotic surgery is often an option for procedures including:
- Heart surgery (coronary artery bypass, mitral valve repair and replacement)
- General surgery (hernia, appendectomy, gallbladder)
- Cancer surgery (colorectal, lung, liver, head/neck)
- Gynecologic surgery (endometriosis, hysterectomy)
- Urologic surgery (prostatectomy)
- Bariatric surgery (weight loss)
- Orthopaedic surgery (knee replacement)
Will insurance cover robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery is generally treated the same as other surgeries if deemed medically necessary. The robotic approach is treated as a technique, not a separate billable service.
Because every insurance policy is unique, it’s important that you understand your coverage and any specific requirements. Your surgeon's office can help you determine your coverage and any copays or coinsurance.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Discover expert cosmetic and reconstructive surgery near Philadelphia, including facial rejuvenation, body contouring, microvascular surgery and gender‑affirming care.
Lung and Thoracic
Main Line Health experts use the latest technology to diagnose and treat all types of conditions affecting the chest, lungs and esophagus.
General Surgery
General surgeons are doctors who are board certified as specialists in many different types of surgery. At Main Line Health, our general surgeons are an important part of your care team.
Orthopaedics
Orthopaedic doctors at Main Line Health treat simple to complex sports and accident-related injuries as well as the painful effects of many conditions that limit your mobility and cause pain. Find an orthopaedic surgeon near me.
Cancer Care
From diagnosis and throughout treatment, Main Line Health cancer specialists (oncologists) provide compassionate care for you and your loved ones through all stages of cancer treatment.
Heart and Vascular Care
The cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons at Main Line Health work together to improve the detection and prevention of heart disease with the latest treatment options.
Gynecology
Whether you’re seeing us for common gynecological problems or seeking out advanced therapies and the very best surgical expertise, our physicians, board-certified are here for in gynecology, are here for you every stage of your life from adolescence through the childbearing years into menopause and beyond.