Robotic surgery may conjure images of a science fiction movie, but PAMF doctors are using this state-of-the-art technology to perform surgery on patients using much smaller incisions and resulting in fewer side effects than traditional "open" surgery. Now, patients can learn more about robotic surgery and read testimonials from fellow PAMF patients on its new Robotic Surgery Web site.

The new Web site is filled with information about robotic-assisted surgery and its many benefits, which include less pain and blood loss, fewer complications, less scarring, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal daily activities.

During robotic-assisted surgery, the doctor sits at a console and looks into a binocular eyepiece lens system that provides a three-dimensional view of the patient's vital organs and structures. The lens system offers up to 15 times greater magnification than the human eye. The doctor maneuvers hand controls that allow him or her to perform precise surgery through small surgical incisions.

Despite its name, robotic surgery does not mean that the doctor will not be performing surgery; the robotic technology simply assists the doctor, as it has a greater range of motion and can ensure a more exact surgery, said Daniel Yao, M.D., a PAMF urologist who performs prostatctomies (prostate removal surgery).

"Although I use robotic technology, the system is entirely under my command and simply allows me to operate on my patients in a more accurate and precise way than I could on my own," he said. Patients have been really pleased with the results, added Dr. Yao. One patient who had a robotic-assisted prostatectomy said, "My experience was just like I read about – I went home after only one day in the hospital, had no pain, was walking two to three miles a week after my surgery and didn't have too much of a problem with side effects."

Another patient, who had a kidney removed through robotic surgery, said, "I was really lucky. A lot of traditional kidney removal surgeries are very difficult and dramatic. In some cases, they have to make an incision that goes from the middle of your chest all the way around to the middle of your back. And they didn't have to do that to me because of the robot – it was much less invasive and that made for a much smoother recovery phase."

Learn more at the new Robotic Surgery Web site.