Robotic Surgery Specialist
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Ray Sheppard Jr., MD
General Surgery and Advanced Robotic Surgery located in Huntsville, AL & Madison, AL
While robotic surgery may conjure up images of robots running around an operating room, in reality, it’s the perfect blend of technology and human experience. At his practice Ray Sheppard, MD General Surgery, Dr. Sheppard uses the daVinci® Surgical System to perform surgery with an increased level of accuracy and precision, giving his patients in Madison and Huntsville, Alabama, the best possible outcomes. If you’d like to explore whether you’re a candidate for robotic surgery, please call the office or set up an appointment by using the online booking tool.
Robotic Surgery Q & A
What is robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery takes minimally invasive techniques to the next level by introducing specialized instruments that perform the work of a surgeon’s hands in very small areas. Dr. Sheppard uses the daVinci system, which features a magnified, 3D, high-definition view of the surgical site and tiny, wristed instruments.
During a robot-assisted surgery using the daVinci system, Dr. Sheppard is seated at a console next to the operating table where he has a detailed and real-time view of the operating area on a monitor. He uses the controls at the console to maneuver the tiny robotic arms, which translate his movements into much smaller and more precise ones, allowing him to perform complex procedures in very small areas.
It’s important to note that Dr. Sheppard is in full control during the entire procedure. This means that you benefit from human experience and computer precision at the same time.
Where can robotic surgery be used?
Dr. Sheppard turns to robotic surgery to help him with various surgeries, including the following:
Adrenalectomy
If you have a tumor on your adrenal gland, you may have to have one, or both, of your adrenal glands removed. Using laparoscopic techniques and robotic assistance, Dr. Sheppard removes these small glands, which are located above your kidneys.
Hernia surgery
Hernia repair surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States, but that doesn’t mean it can’t benefit from the latest minimally invasive techniques, including robotic surgery. Dr. Sheppard routinely uses the daVinci system to help in hernia treatments.
What is recovery like after robotic surgery?
One of the primary goals of robotic surgery is to minimize the collateral damage that often comes with open surgery. Because Dr. Sheppard only needs very small incisions through which he threads the camera and the robotic arms, you benefit with minimal tissue damage.
Your risks for infection and bleeding are also minimized with robotic surgery. Altogether, the new technology is designed to shorten your hospital stay and speed your recovery. While there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for recovery, rest assured that Dr. Sheppard’s use of robotic surgery is designed to get you back to your life as quickly as possible.
To find out whether you’re a candidate for robotic surgery, call Ray Sheppard, MD, or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment.
